Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common work-related health problems in the nursing profession. Repetitive tasks such as repositioning, supporting, and transferring patients under ergonomically unfavorable conditions frequently lead to chronic overload of the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the lumbar spine. Consequences include pain-related movement limitations, absenteeism, and, in many cases, premature exit from the profession. As a result, the preventive reduction
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Condition 1: Without Exoskeleton
Participants complete three standardized 5-minute lifting tasks (repositioning in bed, assisting from lying to sitting, and transferring from bed to chair) wi
Sponsors
Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: - healthy individuals - at least 6 months of professional experience in nursing
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: any cardiovascular disease; any pulmonary disease; acute viral or bacterial infections and communicable diseases; lack of willingness or ability to cooperate (non-compliance); physical, mental, or other conditions preventing the provision of required information or participation in study procedures; pregnancy; current participation in another clinical study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Mean difference in net energy expenditure (kcal/min) between conditions with and without exoskeleton use during standardized lifting tasks. Energy expenditure is calculated via continuous breath gas analysis (indirect calorimetry) during the 5-minute task segments using the Brockway formula. To determine net values, individual baseline (resting) measurements are subtracted prior to aggregation. For each participant, the baseline-corrected means per condition are compared using a within-subject (paired) design. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Muscle activity: Continuous measurement of surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the erector spinae (thoracic and lumbar), gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris muscles during the movement tasks. Perceived exertion: Assessment of perceived exertion using the Borg CR10 scale. Ratings are obtained once per minute during the active task phase as well as in the 1st and 3rd minute of post-task recovery. Wearing comfort and local discomfort: Evaluation of overall wearing comfort using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and assessment of localized discomfort using the Local Perceived Discomfort Scale (LPD), both administered before and after each test condition. Heart rate: Continuous recording of heart rate (bpm) during all task segments using a chest-strap-based heart rate monitoring system. Usability: Assessment of usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS) after each test condition involving exoskeleton use. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactJohannes Voß
Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal
Outcome results
None listed