Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Kinematical analysis of the trunk, upper limbs and fingers during minimal access surgery when using an armrest
Mansoor Jafri1, Stuart Brown2, Graham Arnold1
1a Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) , Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee , Dundee DD1 9SY , UK.
Abstract:
This study investigated whether using an armrest could reduce the movements of the trunk, upper limb and hand of surgeons during simulated minimal access surgery. Sixteen surgeons carried out two trials of simulated laparoscopic surgery, one using an armrest and the other without. Reflective markers were attached on the trunk, upper limbs, fingers, minimal access camera (MAC) and scissors, allowing a motion capture system to record the movements. The error ratios during operation, subjective opinions and operative durations were collected. The results showed that total displacements at the trunk and shoulders were reduced by at least 25% when using an armrest compared with not using one; error ratios were reduced by 7%; velocity and acceleration in the trunk, shoulder and MAC were reduced. After simulated operations, 78% of the participants preferred using the armrest. The study indicates that an armrest could improve surgical outcomes by reducing trunk movements.
Practitioner Summary:
An armrest may help surgeons to reduce unnecessary movements during operations. The error ratios were reduced by 7% when using an armrest compared with no armrest. Displacements at the trunk and shoulders were reduced by 25% when using an armrest. Seventy-eight per cent of participants preferred to use an armrest after the experiment.
