Utility of a Neuromuscular Activation Exercise Protocol on Surgeon Posture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Surgeons face high risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to operating room ergonomic strain.
• Neuromuscular control deficits may contribute to these musculoskeletal issues.
• Neuromuscular activation exercises (NMEs) can potentially enhance the brain-muscle connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a surgeon-focused NME protocol on improving posture.
• To assess the impact of NMEs on reducing postural deviations in surgical professionals.

Main Methods:

• Participants (surgeons, OR staff, students) performed a standardized NME routine.
• Posture was assessed using the PostureScreen® application.
• Both short-term and long-term cohorts were evaluated before and after the NME intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in frontal and sagittal postural deviations were observed in the short-term cohort.
• Effective head weight decreased, with reduced neck flexion and improved head-neck symmetry.
• The long-term cohort showed significant decreases in shoulder translation, indicating improved spinal alignment.

Conclusions:

• NMEs demonstrate potential for protecting surgeon musculoskeletal health by decreasing postural deviations.
• The findings suggest NMEs can improve surgeon well-being and offer a strategy for ergonomic improvement.
• Participant feedback highlighted the preference for exercises providing immediate tension relief, informing future protocol design.