ARTICLE

Exoskeletons: an innovative solution for workplace health

ARTICLE

Exoskeletons: an innovative solution for workplace health

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for nearly 90% of occupational diseases in France, with a 60% increase since 2003 (according to Santé publique France). Beyond their economic impact (notably absenteeism), these conditions profoundly affect the health and well-being of workers, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and loss of quality of life.

To prevent and manage these conditions, modern care focuses on movement and targeted assistance. Dr. Arnaud Dupeyron, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Nîmes, advocates for muscle strengthening and the intelligent use of exoskeletons to alleviate physical strain at work.

90%

occupational diseases in France are MSDs

60%

increase in MSDs
in France
since 2003

Understanding the origin of lower back pain

Mechanically, it's very simple: you have discs, and when the discs get damaged, you start to have the equivalent of osteoarthritis, that is to say, degenerative disc disease.

Dr. Dupeyron
Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Lumbar pathologies are complex in their manifestations and treatment, but they are based on a very simple physiological mechanism. At the core of our spine are the intervertebral discs, true natural shock absorbers that ensure the flexibility and mobility of the back. Over time, these structures undergo progressive wear, more or less accelerated by the environment and habits.

"Mechanically, it's very simple: you have discs, and when the discs get damaged, we start to have an equivalent of osteoarthritis, that is, degenerative disc disease," explains Dr. Dupeyron.

The progressive deterioration of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs leads to a decrease in their ability to absorb shocks and to evenly distribute the pressures exerted on the spine. Two consequences:

- the onset of pain that can become chronic;

- the limitation of movements that impacts the quality of life of affected individuals.

And contrary to what one might think, the solution is not to immobilize the back.

Understanding the origin of lower back pain

Mechanically, it's very simple: you have discs, and when the discs get damaged, you start to have the equivalent of osteoarthritis, that is to say, degenerative disc disease.

Dr. Dupeyron
Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Lumbar pathologies are complex in their manifestations and treatment, but they are based on a very simple physiological mechanism. At the core of our spine are the intervertebral discs, true natural shock absorbers that ensure the flexibility and mobility of the back. Over time, these structures undergo progressive wear, more or less accelerated by the environment and habits.

"Mechanically, it's very simple: you have discs, and when the discs get damaged, we start to have an equivalent of osteoarthritis, that is to say, degenerative disc disease," explains Dr. Dupeyron.

The progressive deterioration of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs leads to a decrease in their ability to absorb shocks and to evenly distribute the pressures exerted on the spine. Two consequences:

- the onset of pain that can become chronic;

- the limitation of movements that impacts the quality of life of affected individuals.

And contrary to what one might think, the solution is not to immobilize the back.

Facing back pain: movement rather than immobility

What we know how to do is reassure people, get them moving again, and tell them that the best treatment is movement. Health Insurance has run campaigns that have helped us a lot.

Prof. Dupeyron
Physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation

When faced with lower back pain, our first instinct is often to immobilize ourselves. This instinctive reaction is understandable, but it goes against the recommendations of health professionals.

Dr. Dupeyron emphasizes this fundamental point: "What we know how to do is reassure people, get them moving again, and tell them that the best treatment is movement. The Health Insurance has run campaigns that have helped us a lot."

This therapeutic approach through movement includes two complementary aspects. First, an adapted physical work: "strengthen, get their back moving again." Then, a psychological aspect: "not being afraid to move."

Muscle strengthening, particularly of the deep abdominal muscles, yields very good results "in everyday life activities." These muscles act like a natural corset that stabilizes the spine and reduces the pressure on the intervertebral discs. Here's how to work them*:

ABDOMINAL CORE (FRONT PLANK)
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Lie face down, support yourself on your forearms and toes. Keep your back straight and your abs contracted. Hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds without arching your lower back.

SIDE PLANK
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_

Lie on your side, support yourself on a forearm aligned under the shoulder and on the outer edge of the foot. Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to feet. Hold the position for 30 to 45 seconds on each side.

DEAD BUG
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Lie on your back, arms extended towards the ceiling and knees bent at 90°. Slowly lower your right leg and left arm towards the floor without lifting your lower back. Return to the starting position and alternate. Do 10 to 12 repetitions per side.

GLUTE BRIDGE
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Lie on your back, feet flat on the floor hip-width apart, knees bent. Push through your heels to slowly lift your hips until your thighs and torso are aligned. Hold the contraction for 2 seconds at the top, then slowly lower down. Perform 12 to 15 repetitions.

DIAPHRAGMATIC (ABDOMINAL) BREATHING
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Lie on your back, one hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, inflating the abdomen without moving the chest, then exhale through your mouth while pulling in your belly. Repeat this exercise for 5 minutes to strengthen the transverse muscle.

* The exercises are presented for informational purposes and do not replace medical advice. Before starting any muscle strengthening program, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or chronic pain.

The issue of postural maintenance in the treatment of back pain

Strengthening the deep muscles of the abdomen helps manage the pressure on the intervertebral discs during daily activities (standing up, bending down to pick up an object, carrying loads…).

But the problem lies elsewhere, particularly in fixed postures. When a person has to remain in the same posture for a long time (standing still, leaning forward), the pain returns, even if their muscles are well-trained. "What poses a problem for us are the postures, that is, postural maintenance. Our results are still somewhat average," admits Dr. Dupeyron. "And this is where exoskeletons become useful."

A non-motorized passive exoskeleton is a lightweight mechanical structure worn on the body like a backpack. It operates using a system of springs or elastics that store the energy of movement to release it usefully, somewhat like a bow that stretches and then releases. The goal: to help the body maintain certain uncomfortable postures, particularly during back bends or work with raised arms.

Its light weight (generally between 800 g and 2.5 kg) and ergonomic design make it a discreet tool that easily fits under work clothes. Unlike motorized exoskeletons, it requires neither batteries nor special maintenance, which explains its high acceptance rate among users.

The use cases of the exoskeleton to prevent back musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Risk of back pain

Principle of action of the exoskeleton

The first use case corresponds to periods of vulnerability, particularly after a lumbago, where mechanical assistance allows for a gradual return to professional activity while promoting recovery.

The end of the day constitutes a second critical moment: when fatigue accumulates, maintaining postures becomes more difficult, and the pressure on the intervertebral discs gradually increases. The exoskeleton then takes over by providing mechanical support that allows the workday to be completed without compromising back health.

On the other hand, for all other situations involving the back, usage should be targeted and reserved for moments when the posture becomes truly demanding.

This customized use requires genuine learning. The worker must be able to identify the moments when assistance becomes necessary. The goal is not to create a dependency on the exoskeleton, but to make it a support tool that allows one to "remain in employment" during recovery phases or when performing tasks that are particularly demanding on the back.

The exoskeleton thus offers an adaptive response that respects the natural biomechanics of the body while providing valuable assistance at the right time.

For Dr. Dupeyron, "exoskeletons have a promising future" in the workplace where technology complements muscle strengthening and rehabilitation through movement.

To know

This dynamic use highlights why the exoskeleton must be easy to put on, but also easy to take off. The HAPO exoskeleton, for example, can be put on in 45 seconds and removed in just 20 seconds. The user can therefore manage wearing it according to their needs throughout the day.

To know

This dynamic use highlights why the exoskeleton must be easy to put on, but also easy to take off. The HAPO exoskeleton, for example, can be put on in 45 seconds and removed in just 20 seconds. The user can therefore manage wearing it according to their needs throughout the day.

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of Hapo exoskeletons in their work environment.

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of Hapo exoskeletons in their work environment.