Assessment of a passive exoskeleton system on spinal biomechanics and subjective responses during manual repetitive handling tasks among construction workers

• A manual repetitive handling task in construction was simulated a laboratory. Effects of passive exoskeleton system are examined. The significantly reduced Lumbar Erector Spinae muscle activity. developed rated as having acceptable usability. It could serve an ergonomic intervention tool to mitigate WMSDs risks. An can be effective for mitigating the risks developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, yet little attention is given effects its application on physical risk factors and subjective responses. Therefore, objective this study examine spinal biomechanics responses during tasks among workers. Muscle activity Thoracic (TES), (LES) at L3 vertebrae level, Rectus Abdominis (RA), External Oblique (EO) were measured by surface electromyography (sEMG). Additionally, Borg categorical rating scale (Borg CR 10), local perceived pressure (LPP), usability (SUS) used measure ratings discomfort, pressure, usability, respectively. Our results found that: (1) use LES (11–33% MVC), with greater reduction (32.71% MVC) heaviest lifting load; (2) discomfort scores (42.40%) lower back (3) increased load LPP shoulder, back, leg body parts; (4) majority participants findings these indicate that reduce internal force, extensor moments, forces lumbar region.