Text

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability, creating significant individual, societal, and economic burdens. Passive occupational exoskeletons (OEX) might be a promising innovation to improve the sustainable workability of (aging) workers with MSDs. However, knowledge about their (long-term) effects and side effects is limited, and conditions for implementation have scarcely been studied. Studies in work situations are needed on the useability, (side)effects, legal and ethical issues, human resources and implementation conditions: a system approach incorporating biopsychosocial aspects of work functioning. Our aim is to contribute to sustainable employability of (aging) workers with MSD in physically demanding jobs and to develop a robust and comprehensive implementation system for passive exoskeletons, which will enable adequate adoption in practice.

Methods: This six-year study will examine key aspects of OEX use across various professions and companies. It will focus on the needs and perceptions of workers, employers, and advisors in fields like human resources, ergonomics, and occupational health and safety. By integrating insights from research institutions, OEX providers, employers, occupational health services, and workers with MSDs, the project aims to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of passive OEX use in the workplace. To effectively study OEX applications for workers with MSDs and their biopsychosocial effects on functioning, the project includes six work packages, each addressing a specific aspect of OEX wear including placebo and nocebo effects, long-term effects, legal and ethical aspects, the development and evaluation of a sustainable system approach of implementation. All work packages use qualitative research methods. This project contains observational research, as well as research that includes surveys and in-depth interviews.

Results: The project started may 2024. A consortium was formed and protocols have been written and submitted for approval. First measurements are planned for April 2025. First results will be presented at the congress.

Discussion: This study stands out for its comprehensive biopsychosocial and system approach and the integration of diverse perspectives. With this approach we aim to contribute to the retention of work for workers at risk of premature exit from the labor market due to (chronic) MSDs and physically demanding roles. By supporting these workers, the project also addresses critical labor market shortages. Additionally, it will clarify the suggested potential of passive exoskeletons as an innovative solution and assist to proceed to a next level of development.

Conclusion: the Exowomdis project was developed to make societal impact on the issue of work participation for people with musculoskeletal disorders. Insights from the proceedings so far and the first results will be presented.