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Reduce the Risk of Work-Related Back Injuries

 

backX has shown the ability to reduce the strain on a wearer’s lower back (L5/S1 disc) by an average of 60% while stooping, lifting objects, bending or reaching. Decreasing strain in the muscles of the lower back can reduce the compression force around the L5-S1 vertebra lowering the risk of back injuries and increasing user endurance.

 

Even without the use of electronics the backX is intelligent enough to not impede natural movements, allowing the wearer to perform most activities, such as walking, climbing up and down stairs and operating work vehicles, without restriction, while supported the wearer when they need it the most. 

 

Academic Papers on backX

"This study finds that average muscle activities of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscles among equal populations of male and female subjects, wearing backX while maintaining forward bending postures, are reduced by 75% and 56% respectively. The results of this study and extended field evaluations indicate that wearing backX minimizes the risk of back injuries among workers who repeatedly go through stooping, squatting, and bending postures for various tasks, such as lifting objects."

 

Link to Paper

 " Compared to the unassisted condition, wearing backX reduced peak lumbar erector spinae activation by 16.5% and 21.8% (p < 0.05). The time subjects could hold a back-straining posture after the repetitive lifting session increased by 52% after wearing backX during the lifting task. The was no significant negative change in oxygen consumption rate. This study confirms that wearing a backX reduces muscle activation in the lower back for this specific dynamic lifting task. Additionally, we find that wearing a backX may reduce the risk of low back injuries by reducing muscle activity and increasing endurance time to fatigue "

Link to Paper

"Using both BSEs reduced metrics of trunk muscle activity in many task conditions (≤47% reductions when using BackX™ and ≤24% reductions when using Laevo™). Such reductions, though, were more pronounced in the conditions closer to the mid-sagittal plane and differed between the two BSEs tested. Minimal effects on task completion times or ratings of perceived exertion were found for both BSEs."

Link to Paper

"Wearing both BSEs significantly reduced peak levels of trunk extensor muscle activity (by ~9-20%) and reduced energy expenditure (by ~8-14%). Such reductions, though, were more pronounced in the symmetric conditions and differed between the two BSEs tested. Participants reported lower perceived exertion using either BSE yet raised concerns regarding localized discomfort. Minimal changes in lifting behaviors were evident when using either BSE, and use of both BSEs led to generally positive usability ratings."

Link to Paper

Features

With its core support technology to reduce lower back strain and the most comprehensive set of standard features in any back exoskeleton, backX is a leader in the field of back support exoskeletons.  

Two Modes

Smart Mode: Maximizes mobility while wearing the device, enabling the user to freely walk, climb up and down stairs and use work vehicles, all while providing protection when needed the most.

Instant Mode: Provides back support to the user in every posture.

Lightweight

Device weighs 7.2lbs/3.2kg

One Size Fits Most

One standard frame adjusts to fit a wide range of height, chest depth and waist sizes.

No Batteries

Passive design allows improved ruggedness, reduced cost and minimal maintenance.

Easy to Maintain

Minimal maintenance necessary. Modular design allows quick change of parts and components.

Comfortable

Soft and breathable harness and minimal contact points maximize comfort.

Low Profile

Designed for use in confined spaces.

Easy to Put on and Take off

Extremely easy to get in and out of the device. Four quick release connections.

Compatible with Standard Equipment

Works with tool belts, and can be worn with reflective vests, tyvek suits and work jackets.

Adjustable Support

Support strength can be quickly changed as required by the user with tools.

Three Compatible Modules

backX is compatible with shoulderX and legX. Modules can be combined to make 7 different exoskeletons to provide a customized solution for every task.

Rugged

Designed to withstand harsh environments.

Two Parts: Harness and Frame

The separate frame and harness architecture enables multiple users to share a universal frame which minimize cost.

Significantly Reduces Back Muscle Forces

 

A recent study by researchers at U.C. Berkeley and U.C. San Francisco showed an average 60% reduction in EMG muscle activities at four of the most injury-prone lower back muscle groups.

Electrodes were placed over four erector spinae muscle groups on each of eight test subjects who were tested both while wearing and not wearing the backX.

The chart shows the substantial decrease in four muscle groups’ activation while subjects were wearing the BackX.

TSE, in this figure, stands for Trunk Support Exoskeleton; an original technical name for BackX.

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