The nursing profession is one of the most important, but also one of the most physically demanding professions of all. Frequent movements such as lifting, carrying and bending over put particular strain on the back and often lead to musculoskeletal complaints. The BionicBack exoskeleton was developed to provide targeted relief for care workers in their day-to-day work and protect their health in the long term. In a long-term study, we at Help Tech, together with the Diakonie Stiftung Salem, WohnXperium e.V. and bkk melitta hmr, were able to show how great the potential of this technology is for the care sector. Here we take a detailed look at the results, opportunities and next steps.
Background to the long-term study
The impetus for the long-term study came from an urgent challenge: according to figures from bkk melitta hmr, long-term musculoskeletal disorders account for around 65% of days of incapacity to work among nursing staff over the age of 55. This fact clearly shows how urgently new approaches are needed to reduce the strain in this profession.
With this goal in mind, the first long-term study on the use of the BionicBack exoskeleton in inpatient care started a year ago. The passive exoskeleton was developed to provide targeted relief for the back muscles and prevent incorrect posture - without restricting freedom of movement. The research team wanted to find out how effective this support is in everyday life and what impact it has on the health and working methods of care staff.
The BionicBack uses biomechanical principles to provide targeted relief for the lower back. It is a passive exoskeleton that works without motors or batteries. Instead, a bionically shaped back structure in combination with elastomer resistance bands ensures stability and an ergonomic way of working. The structure is based on the natural curvature of the spine, while the resistance bands actively support the muscles during critical movements such as bending forward or working in a squatting position.
Carolin Mühle, Business Manager at Help Tech, explained at the closing event: “The BionicBack helps nursing staff to carry out their activities without restriction, while providing targeted support during strenuous movements.”
Results: Improved health and way of working
The study results speak for themselves:
Back relief: The use of the exoskeleton has reduced the strain on the lower back by up to 30%.
Pain reduction: The test subjects reported less discomfort in the back, shoulder and neck area.
Optimized movement patterns: The BionicBack promotes an ergonomic way of working and helps to avoid incorrect postures.
Satisfaction: Nursing staff felt less stressed and found their work more pleasant.
Danny Rüffert, scientist at the Chair of Ergonomics and Innovation Management at Chemnitz University of Technology, summarized: “The results show that exoskeletons such as the BionicBack can make care work easier in the long term and contribute to health promotion in the long term.”
Danny Rüffert, Wissenschaftler an der Professur für Arbeitswissenschaft und Innovationsmanagement der TU Chemnitz, fasste zusammen: „Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Exoskelette wie das BionicBack die Pflegearbeit nachhaltig erleichtern und langfristig zur Gesundheitsförderung beitragen können.“
The results of the study are a promising step for the care sector. Exoskeletons such as the BionicBack could play an important role in health prevention in the future and at the same time counteract the shortage of skilled workers.
Simone Lawrenz, the officer responsible for occupational integration management at the Diakonie Stiftung Salem, emphasized: “Exoskeletons can become an important building block in health prevention and an answer to the nursing shortage.”
For this to succeed, cost bearers are now also required to recognize the potential of this technology and create appropriate financing models for care facilities.
Conclusion and future prospects
BionicBack shows how innovations can have a positive impact on the care sector. The study shows that exoskeletons not only reduce pain and strain, but can also improve working conditions in the long term. At Help Tech, we are already working on further optimizations to offer caregivers even more efficient and comfortable support.
Would you like to find out more about the BionicBack? You can find the entire press release here. Let's talk together about how we can relieve the burden on care staff and promote their health!
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