Evaluation of shoulder-support exoskeletons during simulated laparoscopic surgery across representative shoulder postures

The effects of two shoulder-support exoskeletons with different assistive mechanisms (soft vs. rigid design) on muscle activity were evaluated during representative shoulder postures in simulated laparoscopic surgery task. A convenience sample of 27 participants (17 males and 10 females) was recruited. Changes in shoulder muscle activity were evaluated, and subjective aspects related to exoskeleton use were documented. Both shoulder exoskeletons produced positive effects when compared with the control condition, the Hapo soft exoskeleton consistently reduced anterior deltoid activity across all evaluated shoulder postures and medial deltoid activity across four of the five representative posture configurations, while the Paexo rigid device reduced anterior deltoid activity primarily at higher shoulder elevations. Both exoskeletons achieved good usability scores. Future studies should evaluate these shoulder-support exoskeletons during live laparoscopic surgery.