Ergonomic Challenges for Surgeons; The Problem and Solutions
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
AgeNot listed
SponsorUniversity Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Surgeons performing gastro-intestinal (GI) surgery
Surgeons assisting GI surgery
Open, laparoscopic and robotic GI operation
Informed consent from surgeon
Disqualifiers
Pre-existing severe practice-limiting musculoskeletal disorder
Surgeon not consenting to participation
Patient not consenting to participation
Trial population
Surgeons Performing Major Upper GI Surgery at University Hosptials Plymouth NHS Trust
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Prospective
Treatments tested in this trial
Video and Motion Analysis
Other intervention1. Measurements of joint angle, body segment position, static and dynamic postures and posture duration. 2. Video of Surgeon and Procedure.
Treatment groups
No treatment groups listed
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Joint angle.
Joint angles (in degrees)
Time frame
During the operative period, from initial incision to final closure.2
Posture duration.
The duration of characterised postures (in minutes)
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closure3
Posture Variability
Angles (in degrees/minute)
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closure4
Ergonomic Risk
RULA Score will be calculated
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closureSecondary outcomes
1
Compare open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques
Joint angles (in degrees)
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closure2
Compare open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques
Postural variability (in degrees/minute)
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closure3
Identify specific surgical procedures which carry high ergonomic risk
Musculoskeletal symptoms will be assessed pre, intra and post operatively using a self-reported modified Borg CR10 scale symptom questionnaire. Sensor and symptom data will be correlated with procedure and technique type.
Time frame
Pre-procedure, immediately post procedure and 24 hours after end of procedure.4
Create a video library for use in development of educational/training/monitoring tools
Video footage of the surgeon will be recorded during the procedure and stored, both for postural assessment during this study and for the creation of a data set that can be used to create a camera vision-based system for further data collection, development of further research and training tools.
Time frame
During the operative period, from incision to closureSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
Lead sponsor
University of Plymouth
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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