Diseño de un exoesqueleto ergonómico adaptable para la prevención de lesiones en la columna vertebral en trabajadores operativos y administrativos en el contexto laboral colombiano
No hay miniatura disponible
Fecha
2025
Autores
Niño Diaz, Yesid Alexander
Navarro Pinedo, Heydy Margarita
Pérez González, Kimberlyn
Salas Peña, Ivannia Carolina
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
Ediciones Universidad Simón Bolívar
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Resumen
Objetivo: Diseñar un exoesqueleto ergonómico adaptable para la prevención de
lesiones en la columna vertebral en trabajadores operativos y administrativos en el
contexto laboral colombiano.
Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo aplicado, con enfoque
descriptivo y de desarrollo tecnológico, orientado al diseño y validación de un
exoesqueleto ergonómico adaptable. El proceso metodológico se estructuró en
cuatro fases: (1) caracterización de las demandas ergonómicas y biomecánicas de
los trabajadores operativos y administrativos; (2) conceptualización y diseño
funcional del exoesqueleto; (3) selección de materiales y tecnologías apropiadas
para el contexto colombiano; y (4) desarrollo y evaluación del prototipo con usuarios
representativos de ambos perfiles laborales. La caracterización ergonómica incluyó
el análisis de las tareas críticas: manipulación manual de cargas en operativos y
sedestación prolongada en administrativos, identificando los factores de riesgo
asociados a la columna vertebral. Se consideraron variables antropométricas,
biomecánicas y de género para garantizar la adaptabilidad del diseño. El desarrollo
conceptual se basó en principios ergonómicos centrados en el usuario, priorizando
la comodidad, la facilidad de ajuste y la integración con las actividades laborales. La
selección de materiales buscó optimizar la relación entre ligereza, durabilidad y
viabilidad económica. Finalmente, el prototipo fue evaluado en pruebas piloto,
recopilando la retroalimentación de los usuarios sobre comodidad, facilidad de uso,
integración con las tareas y percepción de mejora ergonómica.
Resultados: El análisis inicial evidenció diferencias significativas en los riesgos
ergonómicos de ambos grupos: los trabajadores operativos presentaron sobrecarga
lumbar y torácica debido a la manipulación manual de cargas, mientras que los
administrativos experimentaron molestias cervicales, dorsales y lumbares
asociadas a la sedestación prolongada y la falta de apoyo ergonómico adecuado.
El diseño conceptual del exoesqueleto logró integrar criterios de adaptabilidad
antropométrica, permitiendo el ajuste a diversas tallas y proporciones corporales,
así como a las diferencias de género. Se establecieron dos tipos de soporte
diferenciados: uno lumbar y robusto para operativos, y otro postural, dinámico y sutil
para administrativos, facilitando la alineación vertebral y el cambio de postura. La
selección de materiales se orientó hacia opciones ligeras y duraderas, adecuadas
para la fabricación local y con bajo costo de mantenimiento. El prototipo funcional
demostró capacidad de ajuste y comodidad, sin limitar la movilidad esencial para
cada tipo de tarea. Durante la evaluación, los usuarios reportaron una reducción en
la percepción de esfuerzo físico y en las molestias musculoesqueléticas, así como
una integración efectiva del exoesqueleto en sus actividades diarias. La aceptación
fue alta, destacándose la importancia de la personalización y la facilidad de ajuste.
Se identificaron como factores críticos para la implementación exitosa la
adaptabilidad del dispositivo, la facilidad de mantenimiento, el costo accesible y la
participación de los usuarios en el proceso de diseño y validación.
Objective: To design an adaptable ergonomic exoskeleton aimed at preventing spinal injuries in operational and administrative workers within the Colombian occupational context. Materials and Methods: An applied study with a descriptive and technological development approach was conducted, focused on the design and validation of an adaptable ergonomic exoskeleton. The methodological process was structured into four phases: (1) characterization of ergonomic and biomechanical demands of operational and administrative workers; (2) conceptualization and functional design of the exoskeleton; (3) selection of materials and technologies appropriate for the Colombian context; and (4) development and evaluation of the prototype with representative users from both occupational profiles. Ergonomic characterization included analysis of critical tasks: manual material handling for operational workers and prolonged sitting for administrative workers, identifying risk factors associated with the spine. Anthropometric, biomechanical, and gender variables were considered to ensure design adaptability. The conceptual development was based on user-centered ergonomic principles, prioritizing comfort, ease of adjustment, and integration with work activities. Material selection aimed to optimize the balance between lightness, durability, and economic viability. Finally, the prototype was evaluated through pilot tests, collecting user feedback on comfort, usability, task integration, and perceived ergonomic improvement. Results: Initial analysis revealed significant differences in ergonomic risks between the two groups: operational workers exhibited lumbar and thoracic overload due to manual material handling, while administrative workers experienced cervical, dorsal, and lumbar discomfort related to prolonged sitting and inadequate ergonomic support. The exoskeleton’s conceptual design successfully integrated anthropometric adaptability criteria, allowing adjustment to diverse body sizes, proportions, and gender differences. Two differentiated support types were established: a lumbar and robust support for operational workers, and a subtle, dynamic postural support for administrative workers, facilitating spinal alignment and posture changes. Material selection favored lightweight and durable options suitable for local manufacturing with low maintenance costs. The functional prototype demonstrated adjustability and comfort without restricting essential mobility for each task type. During evaluation, users reported reduced perception of physical effort and musculoskeletal discomfort, along with effective integration of the exoskeleton into daily activities. Acceptance was high, highlighting the importance of personalization and ease of adjustment. Critical factors for successful implementation included device adaptability, ease of maintenance, affordable cost, and user involvement in design and validation processes.
Objective: To design an adaptable ergonomic exoskeleton aimed at preventing spinal injuries in operational and administrative workers within the Colombian occupational context. Materials and Methods: An applied study with a descriptive and technological development approach was conducted, focused on the design and validation of an adaptable ergonomic exoskeleton. The methodological process was structured into four phases: (1) characterization of ergonomic and biomechanical demands of operational and administrative workers; (2) conceptualization and functional design of the exoskeleton; (3) selection of materials and technologies appropriate for the Colombian context; and (4) development and evaluation of the prototype with representative users from both occupational profiles. Ergonomic characterization included analysis of critical tasks: manual material handling for operational workers and prolonged sitting for administrative workers, identifying risk factors associated with the spine. Anthropometric, biomechanical, and gender variables were considered to ensure design adaptability. The conceptual development was based on user-centered ergonomic principles, prioritizing comfort, ease of adjustment, and integration with work activities. Material selection aimed to optimize the balance between lightness, durability, and economic viability. Finally, the prototype was evaluated through pilot tests, collecting user feedback on comfort, usability, task integration, and perceived ergonomic improvement. Results: Initial analysis revealed significant differences in ergonomic risks between the two groups: operational workers exhibited lumbar and thoracic overload due to manual material handling, while administrative workers experienced cervical, dorsal, and lumbar discomfort related to prolonged sitting and inadequate ergonomic support. The exoskeleton’s conceptual design successfully integrated anthropometric adaptability criteria, allowing adjustment to diverse body sizes, proportions, and gender differences. Two differentiated support types were established: a lumbar and robust support for operational workers, and a subtle, dynamic postural support for administrative workers, facilitating spinal alignment and posture changes. Material selection favored lightweight and durable options suitable for local manufacturing with low maintenance costs. The functional prototype demonstrated adjustability and comfort without restricting essential mobility for each task type. During evaluation, users reported reduced perception of physical effort and musculoskeletal discomfort, along with effective integration of the exoskeleton into daily activities. Acceptance was high, highlighting the importance of personalization and ease of adjustment. Critical factors for successful implementation included device adaptability, ease of maintenance, affordable cost, and user involvement in design and validation processes.
Descripción
Palabras clave
Exoesqueletos, Ergonomía, Columna vertebral, Trastornos musculoesqueléticos, Prevención de accidentes, Salud laboral, Adaptabilidad antropométrica
