A new table for work with a microscope, a solution to ergonomic problems.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Microscope work involves prolonged static muscular effort, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the neck, shoulder, and upper extremities.
• Microscope users in a Finnish research center reported significant pain in the neck, shoulder, and back, necessitating ergonomic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ergonomic effectiveness of a newly designed microscope table compared to a standard laboratory table.
• To objectively measure the impact of the new table on the muscular activity of microscope workers.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study was conducted with ten experienced male microscope workers.
• Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured from neck-shoulder muscles during a standardized microscope task using both the new and old tables.
• Qualitative ergonomic assessments of posture (head upright, forearm support, upper arm flexion) were also performed.

Main Results:

• The new microscope table facilitated an upright head posture and supported forearms.
• Reduced upper arm flexion was observed when using the new table.
• Surface EMG measurements indicated that the new table design resulted in ergonomic improvements by reducing muscular strain.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed microscope table offers significant ergonomic advantages for microscope users.
• Implementing this new table design can mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged microscope use.
• The study validates the effectiveness of the new table through objective EMG data and postural analysis.