An industry study of Apex users working for more than 281k hours showed no back injuries reported during a period when historical data would have predicted 10.5. Additionally, peer-reviewed publications on biomechanics and ergonomics provide further evidence that exosuits reduce injury risks.
Three converging lines of evidence indicate that the Apex 2 reduces work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks.
Longitudinal injury data: First, there is direct evidence from longitudinal field studies that the Apex reduces back injuries. During 2024, three HeroWear customers (including URM, a grocery distributor) deployed the Apex into their distribution centers and then tracked injuries during more than 281,000 hours of work. These case studies represent the equivalent of 140 workers working full time for a year and performing tens of millions of bend/lift cycles. Based on historical data, these companies expected 10.5 back injuries for these workers during the 281,000 hour period; however, they experienced zero back injuries among warehouse case pickers using the Apex. Read here for more details on this long-term injury reduction study.
Ergonomic risk data: Second, ergonomic assessment tools have provided quantitative insight into how much injury risks are reduced by exosuits like the Apex that alleviate peak forces on the lower back. In one peer-reviewed material handling study done in collaboration between Vanderbilt and Auburn Universities, the Apex was estimated to reduce back injury incidence by 20–60% (Zelik 2022). Another peer-reviewed study done by Vanderbilt University and the U.S. Army found that individuals wearing an exosuit exhibited 34-89% lower cumulative back damage (an indicator of low back disorder risk) when wearing the exosuit during heavy repetitive lifting (Rodzak 2024). Multiple other third-party and peer-reviewed studies provide further corroborating evidence that the Apex reduces injury risk factors like peak lumbar moment, back muscle activity, and spine compression force. Read the science articles #1 Reduction of Muscle Strain and #2 Reduction in Spinal Compression Force to learn more.
Worker-reported data: Thirdly, extensive worker-reported survey data show that the Apex significantly reduces bodily discomfort. Discomfort is often a leading indicator of musculoskeletal disorder risk due to overexertion. See science article #4 Reduction of Discomfort to learn more.