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Pinch force and forearm-muscle load during routine colonoscopy: a pilot study
Amandeep K Shergill1, Krishna R Asundi, Alan Barr
1San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121, USA. amandeep.shergill@ucsf.edu
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|December 30, 2008
Summary
Colonoscopy involves high pinch forces and forearm muscle activity, potentially risking overuse injuries in endoscopists. This study measured hand and wrist loads during the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Gastroenterology
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Overuse injuries are common in endoscopists due to repetitive motions.
- Repetitive pinching and awkward postures contribute to these injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate distal upper-extremity musculoskeletal load during colonoscopy.
- Confirm feasibility of ergonomic measurements in endoscopists.
- Identify tasks contributing to overuse injuries.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 3 experienced gastroenterologists performing 3 colonoscopies each.
- Measured right-thumb pinch force using a thumb-force sensor.
- Assessed bilateral forearm-muscle activity via electromyography (EMG).
Main Results:
- Highest mean right-thumb pinch forces during colon insertion exceeded the 10 N injury threshold.
- Peak forearm-muscle activity was greatest during colon insertion.
- Muscle activity in abductor pollicis longus and extensor carpi radialis exceeded American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) action limits.
Conclusions:
- Routine colonoscopy generates pinch forces and forearm muscle loads posing a risk for elbow and wrist overuse injuries.
- Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse demographics is warranted.
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