Skelex Neck Support Comfort That Works!
- Noah Paul
- May 16
- 2 min read
As more companies look to reduce workplace injury and improve long-term musculoskeletal health, passive exoskeletons are becoming a practical, scalable solution. At Skelex, we’ve always designed with function and flexibility in mind and now, those principles are further backed by scientific research.
A new peer-reviewed study conducted by Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne and presented at the 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2022) examined the effectiveness of the Skelex Neck Support in reducing physical strain and improving comfort during overhead or neck-extending tasks.
Study Overview:
Eight adult participants performed 3-minute static and dynamic neck extension tasks, with and without support from commercial cervical exoskeletons, including the Skelex Neck. The study evaluated:
Muscle activity (sternocleidomastoid) via sEMG
Heart rate (Relative Cardiac Cost - RCC)
Neck range of motion
Perceived exertion and discomfort (Borg CR10 & RPE scales)
Key Findings for the Skelex Neck Support:
1. Significant Reduction in Perceived Discomfort
Participants rated perceived neck discomfort on the CR10 scale, which dropped from:
6.1 (no exoskeleton) to 4.3 with Skelex Neck SupportThis reflects a 30% reduction in perceived strain during task performance.
2. Effective Neck Support in Dynamic Motion
The Skelex Neck reduced excessive neck extension an indicator of strain in both static and dynamic conditions:
Dynamic neck extension reduced from 67.6° to 42.9°
Static neck extension reduced from -33.8° to -18.9°
These reductions indicate that the Skelex system effectively offloads cervical strain during overhead work without overly restricting movement.
3. Balanced Support Without Compromising Mobility
Unlike rigid or over-supportive systems, the Skelex Neck was noted for its interface flexibility and consistent arc of support. This made it more suitable for dynamic or movement-intensive tasks, where user mobility is essential.
4. Ergonomic Design — No Power, No Maintenance
As a passive system, the Skelex Neck requires:
No batteries
No electronics
No downtimeIt’s lightweight, low-profile, and compatible with other workwear — ideal for real-world industrial conditions.
Why This Matters
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of occupational health complaints in physically demanding jobs. While administrative and procedural controls are important, wearable support systems like Skelex can offer immediate ergonomic impact especially for roles involving repetitive neck extension or overhead work.
This study shows that when it comes to dynamic, task-flexible environments, the Skelex Neck strikes a strong balance between support, comfort, and range of motion.
Acknowledgements
We extend our thanks to the research team Yonnel Giovanelli, Frédéric Puel, Camélia Mahdi, Arnaud Gouelle, and William Bertucci for their valuable contribution to advancing evidence-based evaluation in wearable ergonomics.
Access the full study here: https://hal.science/hal-04454518
Comments