###### Abstract  
This paper proposes a modular protocol for the designing of experimental studies to analyze exoskeletons used in industrial settings to support manual material handling (MMH). Despite exoskeleton technologies starting to be highly commercialized and present in workplaces, research still lacks a standardized procedure for analyzing the impact of these devices on workers. The protocol presented in this paper outlines a step-by-step procedure, including the parameters to be collected and analyzed in a research study. Moreover, the approach could be easily adapted to meet the specificity of a wide range of exoskeletons. The main novelty of the protocol is thus to support the experimental design and analysis of studies assessing the overall impact of exoskeletons on workers. To implement the protocol, the selected case study concerned a palletizing task involving the MMH of 12 cardboard boxes, weighing 10 kg. The results from physiological signals and pressure insoles show that the protocol is comprehensive and can be utilized by researchers evaluating different occupational exoskeletons for assistance during MMH (both active and passive), with modifications to specific parts based on the type of exoskeleton being assessed or the variables of interest. occupational exoskeleton; protocol; experimental study; manual material handling 20242024148328[[https://doi.org/10.3390/app141883284183284](https://doi.org/10.3390/app141883284183284)]([https://doi.org/10.3390/app141883284183284](https://doi.org/10.3390/app141883284183284))Industrial research has shown that exoskeletons can positively impact muscle activity, oxygen consumption, perceived exertion, and usability during lifting tasks, improving the overall efficiency of workers [3]. The assessment of occupational exoskeletons has focused on factors such as muscle activity, musculoskeletal effort, contact pressure, and subjective usability, demonstrating the potential benefits and limitations of these devices in the industry [4; 5]. In 2018, [PERSON] et al. [6] found that exoskeletons are particularly helpful in tasks involving dynamic lifting and lowering, where they can aid in reducing muscle activity, perceived exertion, and contact pressure on the body. More recently, [PERSON] et al. [7] highlighted the role of exoskeletons in reducing physical workload during manual material handling (MMH), minimizing the risk of injuries, and improving the overall health and safety of industrial workers. [PERSON] et al. [8] demonstrated that the use of occupational exoskeletons equipped with sensors for human activity recognition and adaptive payload compensation can further enhance the effectiveness of these devices in industrial contexts. By providing back support and reducing muscular activity, occupational exoskeletons have the potential to reduce the risk of low-back pain and other occupational disorders associated with MMH in industrial settings [9; 10; 11]. Currently, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of occupational exoskeletons in the workplace and the potential issues associated with their use [12]. Most studies, for example, use surface electromyography analysis of the major muscle groups involved in performing a particular work task, with or without an exoskeleton [13; 14]. Less common are studies dedicated to evaluating specific ergonomic aspects, e.g., usability, accessibility, and acceptance by the users [15]. A parallel research path has highlighted the importance of evaluating exoskeletons in industrial applications with a focus on human factors to ensure their comparability, usability, and ergonomic design [6; 16]. Ergonomic indicators such as usability, accessibility, and user acceptance cannot be ignored when humans are required to interact with newly conceived technological devices, which can hardly be understood based on data and knowledge derived from analyses conducted in a controlled laboratory setting [17].