Data from the article Exoskeleton for upper limbs in meat processing industry: influence on muscle activity and physical effort

Exoskeleton for upper limbs in meat processing industry: influence on muscle activity and physical effort Abstract Background: Brazil is one of the leading pork exporters, with around 1,100 slaughterhouses where manual labor frequently exposes workers to repetitive strain and improper postures. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of an exoskeleton in reducing physical effort in the upper limbs during dynamic, repetitive tasks common in meat processing lines. Method: Seventeen workers performed 17 production tasks that involved repeated arm elevation above 45°, both with and without the use of an exoskeleton. Muscle activity in the medial and anterior deltoids was assessed using surface electromyography (sEMG). The study also gathered subjective data using the BORG scale and a usability questionnaire. Results: In the normalized mean values, three out of the four analyzed muscles showed a statistically significant reduction in muscle activity with the use of the exoskeleton (p ≤ 0.04), except for the left medial deltoid (p = 0.07), where the difference was not statistically significant. Regarding the normalized peak values, the left and right medial deltoid muscles exhibited a statistically significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01), whereas the right and left anterior deltoids did not present significant reductions (p = 0.11 and p = 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: The exoskeleton demonstrated potential to reduce muscular demands in certain muscles, suggesting ergonomic and industrial benefits. However, limitations were identified, including the need for anthropometric adjustments and additional operating space. The study reinforces the relevance of the device and recommends further research for its optimization and adaptation in industrial environments. Keywords: Exoskeleton, usability, physical effort, surface electromyography, ergonomics, shoulder injuries.