Impact of a mechanical arm support on upper limb kinematics and muscular activity during manual tasks.

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Kinova is a Canadian company that offers robotics solutions for people living with upper body mobility**impairment. Recently, Kinova has acquired the license for North America of a high end dynamic arm supports**(the O-110 arm support) that has been designed specifically for individuals who have limited strength in their**arms and hands. However, these arm supports could also be used with manual workers, who perform repetitive**precision tasks for extended period of time with the shoulders in elevation. The goal of using arm supports in**the workplace would be to decrease the physical work demands imposed on the upper extremity, and thus**improve work performance by reducing development of muscular fatigue. The objective of this research project**is to investigate the benefits (in term of decrease of the physical work demands for the upper extremity) of the**O-110 arm support during basic manual tasks. To do this, we will combine our research team expertise**(biomechanics, kinesiology, motor control) with state-of-the-art evaluation and analysis equipment (wireless**3D movement capture and muscle activation measures). Workers will be tested in controlled laboratory**conditions simulating real manual tasks while using the O-110 arm support. The quantification of the arm**support's performance will help Kinova adapt and fine-tune the design of the O-110 arm support in order to**provide a healthier and safer workplace for manual workers.