Comparing three trunk-assist exoskeletons and no assistance during lifting
Choosing a Trunk Assistance Exoskeleton: Issues of Cumulative Lumbar Loading, Muscle Fatigue, and Discomfort During Repetitive Lifting Tasks
NA · TOPMED · NCT07084974
This project will test three trunk-assist exoskeletons and no assistance in healthy French-speaking adults to see if they reduce back muscle fatigue and cumulative lumbar load during repeated lifting.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | TOPMED (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Québec, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT07084974 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy adult volunteers who can communicate in French will be fitted with three different trunk-assist exoskeletons and will also perform a lifting session without assistance. After an initial adjustment and practice session, participants will perform a standardized lifting task consisting of four 20-minute blocks in separate sessions for each device and a no-assist session. Researchers will measure cumulative lumbar load, trunk extensor muscular fatigue, and participant comfort during the tasks. Each participant will serve as their own comparison to evaluate differences between devices and no assistance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy, French-speaking adults without recent back pain or trunk musculoskeletal conditions who can perform the required lifting rhythm and have BMI ≤35 kg/m².
Not a fit: People with recent or chronic back pain, scoliosis, recent trunk surgery or musculoskeletal injury, neurological damage, BMI over 35, or who cannot safely perform the lifting task are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, these exoskeletons could lower back muscle fatigue and spinal load during lifting, potentially reducing work-related low back injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies of trunk and back-support exoskeletons have reported reductions in lumbar load and muscle activity in some tasks, though results depend on device design and work conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being able to communicate in french Exclusion Criteria: * Back pain in the last year * Back pain for more than a week in the years prior * Musculoskeletal injury in the last year * Trunk musculoskeletal system surgery in the last year * Scoliosis diagnostic * Systemic illness, degenerative disease or syndrome related to the trunk musculoskeletal or nervous system * Body mass index over 35 kg/m\^2 * History of neurological damage * Any contraindication to the practice of physical activity * Incapacity to perform the lifting task at the specified rythm * Medication with a negative impact on balance
Where this trial is running
Québec, Quebec
- TOPMED — Québec, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Edith Martin, Ph.D
- Email: emartin@topmed.ca
- Phone: 4187801301
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Exoskeleton Device, exoskeleton, trunk assistance, cumulative lumbar load, muscular fatigue, lifting task, comfort, acceptability