Ergonomics

Effect of the "EMS Back-Up" Ergonomic Program on Paramedics' Manual Handling Safety.

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using a virtual reality headset (VRH) during endoscopy and its impact on the endoscopist ergonomics. We will use the Apple Vision Pro during approximately 140 endoscopic procedures during which ergonomics will be assessed.

The ERGOROB (ERGOnomics in surgical ROBotics) study is an observational research project focused on the physical well-being of surgeons.Why is this study important?Surgeons perform complex, lengthy procedures that can lead to severe physical strain, awkward postures, and repetitive movements.This physical burden often causes musculoskeletal disorders, which can negatively impact a doctor's health and potentially shorten their career.By objectively measuring these physical demands, researchers aim to improve the design of surgical systems and training protocols.Preserving a surgeon's health and expertise ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to patients.What exactly is being studied?The research is divided into two comparative areas:Study 1: Compares the physical strain on doctors performing bowel surgery (Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum) using standard "keyhole" (laparoscopic) methods versus a robotic-assisted system called the Hugo RAS.Study 2: Compares the physical demands of using two different robotic surgical platforms (the Hugo RAS and the Da Vinci Xi) during prostate surgery (Radical Prostatectomy).What does this mean for patients?In this specific study, the surgeons are the subjects being evaluated, not the patients.Patients receive their standard, planned surgical treatment without any alterations.During the operation, the participating surgeon will wear specialized wireless equipment, including a 3D motion capture suit, muscle activity sensors, and sensorized gloves to measure hand force.The procedure is also video recorded to analyze the surgeon's movements and workflow.All wearable equipment has been thoroughly pre-tested in a simulated environment to guarantee it does not interfere with the surgeon's dexterity or comfort while operating.

Primary Aim: Assess improvement in ergonomics and musculoskeletal discomfort with the Surgistep compared to a standard footstool.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among surgeons. Despite growing awareness, there remains a lack of detailed data on the specific postures that contribute to ergonomic risk, particularly within General Surgery. This study aims to characterise postures encountered during open, laparoscopic, and robotic gastrointestinal procedures using wearable sensor technology and video analysis, to inform future ergonomic interventions and training. A single-centre, prospective observational study of 30 surgical cases will be conducted at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Participating surgeons will wear inertial measurement units (IMUs) to record real-time body segment position data whilst performing live surgery. A biomechanical model will then be used to calculate joint angles and whole body posture. Video recordings will be synchronised with IMU data to map posture to surgical tasks. Static and dynamic postures will be analysed using standard ergonomic assessment tools. Alternative tools tailored to surgery will be assessed and proposed. Surgeons will complete questionnaires pre- and post-operatively to report musculoskeletal symptoms. Outcomes will compare ergonomic risk across surgical techniques, identify high-risk procedural steps, and assess the acceptability of wearable technologies in the operating theatre. The data generated will also be used to evaluate, train or refine artificially intelligent camera-based pose estimation models for the operating theatre environment in order to make future ergonomics research and assessment more accessible.

The goal of this observational study is to quantify ergonomic risk associated with traditional protective equipment in operators working in the cardiac catheterization laboratory as compared with a mobile protection system. The main questions it aims to answer is: What is the mean time spent by operators in positions of high ergonomic postural risk during cases? Participants will wear IMU, EMG, and radiation sensors, as well as complete baseline and discomfort surveys for several catheterization procedures.