LAUSR

Abstract Personal “protective” equipment has been recommended in agricultural tasks. The plastic mulching process is often required in commercial farming. On-body personal assist suits (PAS) affect heart rate, muscles, trunk movement, and user acceptance. In this study, 8 male and 6 female subjects performing 3-min digging tasks were evaluated. Electrocardiograph, electromyography of the right and left upper trapezius and (L3) lumbar erector spinae, and motion data were simultaneously recorded using a multichannel telemetry system. In the task's final minute, the workload was decreased using PAS in males, although the average workload did not change. Males achieved a more stable acceleration pattern using PAS as compared to females. 86% females experienced discomfort in the crotch area; therefore, we recommend that hip straps be modified to increase user acceptance. For a typical agricultural forward-bending task, such as digging, PAS can significantly reduce strain (p