Stability Assessment during Active Back-Support Exoskeleton Use: Pressure–Time Integral Analysis

As wearable technologies gain traction in construction, back-support exoskeletons are being explored for safety and productivity. This study investigates the impact of active back-support exoskeletons on foot plantar pressure distribution during six carpentry subtasks: measuring, assembly, nailing, lifting, moving, and installation. Pressure–time integral (PTI) metrics revealed task-specific pressure asymmetries between the left and right feet, with significant differences in the metatarsal region during measuring (p = 0.03) and assembly (p < 0.01). Nailing and lifting tasks exhibited differences in the heel and arch regions (p < 0.05), while moving tasks showed asymmetries in the heel and metatarsal regions (p < 0.05). Heatmaps highlighted increased toe pressure during measuring and assembly, reflecting the higher application of force. The findings suggest that active back-support exoskeletons may affect stability, particularly in dynamic tasks, emphasizing the need for task-specific design considerations to mitigate fall risks and enhance their safe integration into construction workflows.