• QuirkD AdamDA0000-0003-4122-9103John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States., Jinwon Chung, Gregory Schiller, Jason M Cherin, Philipp Arens, David A Sherman, Emma R Zeligson, Diane M Dalton, Lou N Awad, and Conor J Walsh.
• John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.
• Pain Med. 2023 Aug 4; 24 (Suppl 1): S175S186S175-S186.

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) is hallmarked by activity limitations, especially for tasks involving bending. Back exosuit technology reduces low back discomfort and improves self-efficacy of individuals with LBP during bending and lifting tasks. However, the biomechanical efficacy of these devices in individuals with LBP is unknown. This study sought to determine biomechanical and perceptual effects of a soft active back exosuit designed to assist individuals with LBP sagittal plane bending. To understand patient-reported usability and use cases for this device.MethodsFifteen individuals with LBP performed two experimental lifting blocks once with and without an exosuit. Trunk biomechanics were measured by muscle activation amplitudes, and whole-body kinematics and kinetics. To evaluate device perception, participants rated task effort, low back discomfort, and their level of concern completing daily activities.ResultsThe back exosuit reduced peak back extensor: moments by 9%, and muscle amplitudes by 16% when lifting. There were no changes in abdominal co-activation and small reductions maximum trunk flexion compared to lifting without an exosuit. Participants reported lower task effort, back discomfort, and concern about bending and lifting with an exosuit compared to without.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a back exosuit not only imparts perceptual benefits of reduced task effort, discomfort, and increased confidence in individuals with LBP but that it achieves these benefits through measurable biomechanical reductions in back extensor effort. The combined effect of these benefits implies back exosuits might be a potential therapeutic aid to augment physical therapy, exercises, or daily activities.© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

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