This paper presents studies of an upper body assistive device designed to aid human load carriage. The two primary functions of the device are: (i) distributing the backpack load between the shoulders and the waist and (ii) reducing the dynamic load of a backpack on the human body during walking. These functions are targeted to relieve stress applied on the shoulders and the back, and also reduce the dynamic loads transferred to the lower limbs during walking. These functions are achieved by incorporating two modules—passive and active—within a custom fitted shirt integrated with motion/force sensors, actuators, and a real-time controller. The relevant modeling and controller design are presented for dynamic load compensation. Preliminary evaluation of the device was first performed on a single subject, followed by a pilot study with ten healthy subjects walking on a treadmill with a backpack. Results show that the device can effectively transfer the load from the shoulders to the waist and also reduce the dynamic loads induced by the backpack during walking. Reduction in peak and total normal ground reaction forces, leg muscle activations, and oxygen consumptions was observed with the device. This suggests that the device can potentially reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue on the lower limbs associated with carrying heavy loads and provide some metabolic benefits.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
October 2016
Research-Article
Reducing Dynamic Loads From a Backpack During Load Carriage Using an Upper Body Assistive Device
Joon-Hyuk Park,
Joon-Hyuk Park
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: jp3350@columbia.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: jp3350@columbia.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Paul Stegall,
Paul Stegall
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: prs3146@columbia.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: prs3146@columbia.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Sunil K. Agrawal
Sunil K. Agrawal
Professor
Fellow ASME
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) and
Robotic Systems Engineering
(ROSE) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: Sunil.Agrawal@columbia.edu
Fellow ASME
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) and
Robotic Systems Engineering
(ROSE) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: Sunil.Agrawal@columbia.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Joon-Hyuk Park
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: jp3350@columbia.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: jp3350@columbia.edu
Paul Stegall
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: prs3146@columbia.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: prs3146@columbia.edu
Sunil K. Agrawal
Professor
Fellow ASME
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) and
Robotic Systems Engineering
(ROSE) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: Sunil.Agrawal@columbia.edu
Fellow ASME
Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) and
Robotic Systems Engineering
(ROSE) Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Columbia University,
New York City, NY 10027
e-mail: Sunil.Agrawal@columbia.edu
1Corresponding author.
Manuscript received September 19, 2015; final manuscript received November 24, 2015; published online May 4, 2016. Assoc. Editor: James Schmiedeler.
J. Mechanisms Robotics. Oct 2016, 8(5): 051017 (8 pages)
Published Online: May 4, 2016
Article history
Received:
September 19, 2015
Revised:
November 24, 2015
Citation
Park, J., Stegall, P., and Agrawal, S. K. (May 4, 2016). "Reducing Dynamic Loads From a Backpack During Load Carriage Using an Upper Body Assistive Device." ASME. J. Mechanisms Robotics. October 2016; 8(5): 051017. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4032214
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Positioning error estimation models for horizontal-distributed PUU parallel mechanism
J. Mechanisms Robotics
A Cable-Based Haptic Interface with a Reconfigurable Structure
J. Mechanisms Robotics
Prediction of Human Reaching Pose Sequences In Human-Robot Collaboration
J. Mechanisms Robotics
The database generation for planar 2-DOF fractionated multiple-joint kinematic chains
J. Mechanisms Robotics
Related Articles
Second Spine: Upper Body Assistive Device for Human Load Carriage
J. Mechanisms Robotics (February,2015)
A Study on Control of Accumulators in Web Processing Lines
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control (September,2004)
Tool Positioning for Noncircular Cutting With Lathe
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control (June,1987)
Development and Analysis of a Long-Stroke Spring Guiding System
J. Mech. Des (November,2004)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Rationale for Human-Powered Vehicle Design and Use
Design of Human Powered Vehicles
Long-Term Hydrostatic Strength and Design of Thermoplastic Piping Compounds
Plastic Pipe and Fittings: Past, Present, and Future
Parametric Study of the Railway Passenger Car Body Based on ANSYS
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3