Abstract
In this paper, we describe the design and application of a wearable device to prevent low back pain of caregiver. Due to repeated actions in unstable working posture at the bedside, caregivers often suffer low back pain. Hoist and other robotic appliance have been proposed, but have difficulty installing in Japanese housing condition. We propose a simple device that is wearable, lightweight, and lowers the physical burden without restricting other motions. The effect of using this device is evaluated by simulation and experiment. The electromyogram of the erector spinae muscle and the pressures at working points on the body are measured. The experiments showed that the device is effective.
