Ergonomic Challenges for Surgeons; The Problem and Solutions

NCT06938958 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 2 other identifiers: 24WBG122350363
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Strain; Ergonomics; Posture

Keywords

Surgeons; Ergonomics; OR; Operating Room; Operating Theatre; Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Strain; Posture; IMU; Computer vision

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Joint angle.

  Joint angles (in degrees)

  During the operative period, from initial incision to final closure.

• Posture duration.

  The duration of characterised postures (in minutes)

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

• Posture Variability

  Angles (in degrees/minute)

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

• Ergonomic Risk

  RULA Score will be calculated

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Compare open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

• Compare open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

• Identify specific surgical procedures which carry high ergonomic risk

  Pre-procedure, immediately post procedure and 24 hours after end of procedure.

• Create a video library for use in development of educational/training/monitoring tools

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

• Determine the acceptability of sensor-based methods for recording posture data during GI surgery

  During the operative period, from incision to closure

Interventions

Video and Motion Analysis OTHER

1. Measurements of joint angle, body segment position, static and dynamic postures and posture duration. 2. Video of Surgeon and Procedure.

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Surgeons Performing Major Upper GI Surgery at University Hosptials Plymouth NHS Trust

You may qualify if:

• Surgeons performing gastro-intestinal (GI) surgery
• Surgeons assisting GI surgery
• Open, laparoscopic and robotic GI operation
• Informed consent from surgeon
• Informed consent from patient

You may not qualify if:

• Pre-existing severe practice-limiting musculoskeletal disorder
• Surgeon not consenting to participation
• Patient not consenting to participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust: lead
• University of Plymouth: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sprains and Strains

Interventions

Videotape Recording

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Wounds and Injuries

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Tape Recording; Audiovisual Aids; Educational Technology; Technology; Technology, Industry, and Agriculture; Television

Central Study Contacts

Alexander Bush, MBBS

CONTACT

01752 202082; alexander.bush@nhs.net

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 7, 2025
• First Posted: April 22, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Last Updated: April 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-04

Locations

GB (1)