Summary Reader Response (Draft #1)

In the article ”Where’s My Supersuit?” Zelik (2019), highlights the attributes and benefits of a spring-powered exosuit, which aims to prevent low back pain in the majority of adults. He also mentions that most adults have or will deal with lower back pain someday, and the suit will help to lessen stress on those muscles. Zelik states that the exosuit consists of common clothing material with an “assistive fabric elastic band”, coupled with an on-off switch that is activated when needed. He indicates that the absence of batteries and motors allow users to have the ability to move normally when the suit is turned off, while other exoskeletons are bulky, uncomfortable and interfere with movement. Zelik also mentions that the sleek design of the suit would hardly be noticeable when worn under everyday clothes. As I see it, an effective exosuit is affordable, comfortable, and eases tension on the lower back muscles without being bulky. Hence, the exosuit would help to prevent low back pain and injuries.

First of all, one essential aspect of any exoskeleton is its ability to reduce fatigue on the muscles. The laboratory tests revealed that the exosuit is capable of "reducing erector spinae muscle activity by an average of 23-43% during leaning tasks, and 14-16% during lifting tasks" (Lamers et al., 2018, p. 1674). Although the suit does not completely remove the load on the lower back muscles, it still takes a considerable amount of stress off them. Therefore, the exosuit helps to lessen fatigue on the lower back muscles and prevent injury.

Another important aspect of the exosuit is its modernized design. Exoskeletons are usually bulky and uncomfortable, which means that users are unable to wear them for long periods. Thanks to the absence of batteries and motors, the improved exosuit is lightweight and does not have any prominent parts. This means that the suit will be adequately low-profile and comfortable to wear under everyday clothing. Hence, with discomfort and bulkiness out of the picture, users will be able to equip the suit for longer durations.

Furthermore, the exosuit by Zelik incorporates a switch that allows users to turn the suit on or off with a 'double tap' gesture on the straps. When turned off, the suit disengages its support and the user will be able to move freely and as per normal. This aspect of the suit is particularly useful when users are switching between tasks or taking breaks. Thus, the ability to turn the suit on and off makes it more comfortable and adaptable for users.

In my opinion, one setback the exosuit possesses is that users need to have proper form when using it, as not everyone is informed on the importance of good posture when lifting and leaning. If users do not practice good form when carrying out strenuous tasks, then they are putting themselves at higher risk for injuries. Employing efficient body mechanics is crucial to prevent injuries in the long run. In my view, this problem can be solved by providing users with training that teaches them proper form when carrying out various tasks.

To conclude, these aspects of the exosuit helps to reduce stress on the lower back and prevent injuries, without sacrificing on comfort. However, users will need to be instructed on proper form before utilizing the suit for better effectiveness and efficiency.


(557 words)


References



  • Lamers E.P. , Yang, A.J., & Zelik, K.E. (2018). Feasibility of a Biomechanically-Assistive Garment to Reduce Low Back Loading During Leaning and Lifting. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 65(8), 1674-1680. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2017.2761455

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