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Ergonomics for surgeons - prototype of an external surgeon support system reduces muscular activity and fatigue
Justus Marquetand1, Julia Gabriel2, Robert Seibt2
1Department of Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; MEG-Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
Background:
Since the unergonomic postures cannot be changed during a surgery, it seems reasonable to externally support the surgeon's posture in order to relieve the musculature. To evaluate this matter, we conducted a pilot study to investigate if a prototype of an external surgeon support system (S3) relieves the musculature in an objectively measurable manner.
Methods:
Simultaneous surface electromyography (EMG) was used alongside a combination of a laser Doppler flowmeter and a tissue spectrometer to record back and leg muscles during a simulated surgical situation.
Findings:
With S3, muscle activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and also fatigue decreased when compared to without S3. Muscle blood flow and oxygenation were relatively close to baseline with S3, but increased without S3.
Interpretation:
An ergonomic S3 is a possible approach to reduce muscle activity and fatigue and may therefore prevent chronic back pain amongst surgeons in the long term.
