ArticlePloS one2023
Impact of a passive upper-body exoskeleton on muscle activity, heart rate and discomfort during a carrying task.
Article in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 20 citations in OpenAlex.
- Influence of a passive shoulder exoskeleton on drilling performance in women- a cross-sectional study.Scientific reports · 2026Trial
- Biomechanical and physiological effects of a passive upper-body exoskeleton during stair ascent and descent.PloS one · 2026Article
- Effects of a Wearable Assistive Device on Postural Control and Stability During Symmetric and Asymmetric Intermittent Trunk Flexion Tasks.Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Biomechanical and physiological effects of passive upper limb exoskeletons in simulated manufacturing tasks.Wearable technologies · 2025Article
- Biomechanical and physiological effects of an upper-body exoskeleton during simulated load-carrying on an inclined surface.PloS one · 2025Article
- Gender differences in the use of an upper-extremity exoskeleton during physically and cognitively demanding tasks- a study protocol for a randomized experimental trial.Frontiers in neurology · 2024Article
- Effects of a passive upper-body exoskeleton on whole-body kinematics, leg muscle activity, and discomfort during a carrying task.PloS one · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveThe goal of this study was to compare erector spinae muscle fatigue, upper limb muscle activity, body areas discomfort, and heart rate during a 10-min carrying task with and without a passive upper-body exoskeleton (CarrySuitⓇ) while considering sex influences.
backgroundPassive exoskeletons are commercially available to assist lifting or carrying task. However, evidence of their impact on muscle activity, fatigue, heart rate and discomfort are scarce and/or do not concur during carrying tasks.
methodThirty participants (16 females and 14 male) performed a 10-min, 15kg load-carrying task with and without the exoskeleton in two non-consecutive days. Heart rate, and erector spinae, deltoid, biceps and brachioradialis muscle activity were recorded during the carrying tasks. In addition, erector spinae electromyography during an isometric hold test and discomfort ratings were measured before and after the task.
resultsWhile without the exoskeleton upper limb muscle activity increased or remained constant during the carrying task and showing high peak activation for both males and females, a significant activity reduction was observed with the exoskeleton. Low back peak activation, heart rate and discomfort were lower with than without the exoskeleton. In males muscle activation was significantly asymmetric without the exoskeleton and more symmetric with the exoskeleton.
conclusionThe tested passive exoskeleton appears to alleviate the physical workload and impact of carrying heavy loads on the upper limbs and lower back for both males and females.
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