Exoskeletons and Spine Compression
Introduction
Welcome to our second page in the Spine Compression series! On the first page we learned about Spine Compression Basics. If you did not read that page yet, we advise you to do so before reading this page as some of the explained terminology is applied on this page. Click the link below to access it. At the end of that page you will find a button to take you back to this page.
In a nutshell, we learned some basic spine anatomy, what Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are, and guidelines to prevent these. One of the most important learnings to take with us to this page is that when lifting something heavy, it actually is our own back muscles compressing our spine to dangerous levels that might cause damage to our intervertebral discs. We will talk more about this last bit on this page.
Exoskeletons are able to prevent MSDs. However, Laevo sees that potential users are often not well informed about the differences between the two main types of exoskeletons (rigid and soft) and how they differ in efficiency at preventing damage to your spine. The differences explained on this page might amaze you.
The following chapters take you through this page:
How exoskeletons prevent MSDs
Measuring spine compression (is hard)
Forces exerted on the user's body
Calculating spine compression
Be careful when interpreting exoskeleton EMG research results
Conclusion