Towards low back support with a passive biomimetic exo-spine

IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot. 2017 Jul:2017:1165-1170. doi: 10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009407.

Abstract

Low-Back Pain (LBP) affects a large portion of the working population. Preventive exoskeletons have been proposed to reduce the moments on the lower back, specifically around the lumbosacral (L5/S1) joint. High correlation has been shown, between reducing the moments around the L5/S1 joint and intervertebral compression forces, which in turn have been identified as a risk factor for developing LBP. However, most passive back support exoskeletons use rigid plates or stiff beams to support the spine that limit the range of motion of the wearer. A large range of motion and versatility are especially desirable for industrial applications. To overcome these limitations, a passive biomimetic exo-spine has been designed, modelled and an initial prototype tested. Its potential to allow for a large range of motion, whilst at the same time limiting the most extreme and potentially harmful postures has been shown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
  • Equipment Design
  • Exoskeleton Device*
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Orthotic Devices*
  • Spine / physiology*