SurgiStep Platform for Ergonomics

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Severe MSK conditions, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new platform, SurgiStep, to determine if it increases comfort and reduces muscle discomfort for surgeons compared to a regular footstool. The focus is on improving comfort during long operations, particularly brain or spine surgeries. Surgeons who frequently perform these specific surgeries and are willing to try both the new platform and the standard footstool may be suitable participants. As an unphased trial, this study provides surgeons the chance to explore innovative solutions for enhancing comfort and performance during demanding procedures.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the SurgiStep Platform is safe for improving ergonomics?

Research has shown that the SurgiStep Platform is designed to assist surgeons by enhancing their working conditions. It allows real-time height adjustment using a foot pedal, which may reduce physical discomfort during surgeries.

Specific safety information for the SurgiStep Platform is not available. However, as a tool for surgeons rather than a drug or internal treatment, it is likely safe to use. The platform aims to reduce physical strain without directly affecting the body. As with any new tool, users should remain vigilant for any unexpected issues, but the design intends to help, not harm, the user. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the SurgiStep Platform trial because it aims to improve the ergonomics of surgeons during operations. Unlike the traditional foot stool used in surgeries, the SurgiStep Platform offers a more comfortable and potentially less fatiguing experience for surgeons. This could lead to longer, more effective surgeries and potentially better outcomes for patients. By comparing the new platform with standard practices, researchers hope to find out if it truly enhances the surgical experience and effectiveness.

What evidence suggests that the SurgiStep Platform is effective for improving ergonomics and reducing musculoskeletal discomfort?

Research has shown that many surgeons experience discomfort or muscle pain during surgery, with 98.7% reporting these issues. This trial tests the SurgiStep Platform to create a more comfortable and efficient work environment. Studies have found that surgeons often remain in the same position for over half of their operating time, leading to discomfort. The SurgiStep Platform, which trial participants may use, helps surgeons maintain better posture and reduce muscle strain, aiming to improve comfort and possibly enhance surgical performance. Although direct data on the SurgiStep's effectiveness is limited, its focus on improving comfort suggests it could help reduce the physical strain surgeons face during long procedures. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Atman Desai, MD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who experience ergonomic challenges or musculoskeletal discomfort during activities that may require a footstool. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's best to contact the study organizers for detailed requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

I regularly perform brain or spine surgeries.

Willing to use both devices (multiple times each)

Exclusion Criteria

I am unwilling or unable to take part in surveys or observations.

I have severe muscle or joint conditions that stop me from using devices.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

SurgiStep Platform Usage

Surgeons perform surgeries using the SurgiStep Platform for ergonomic assessment

2 weeks

During surgeries

Standard Footstool Usage

Surgeons perform surgeries using the standard footstool for comparison

2 weeks

During surgeries

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• SurgiStep Platform

Trial Overview The trial aims to see if the Surgistep Platform can improve ergonomics and reduce discomfort better than a standard foot stool. Participants will use both in their daily activities to compare effectiveness.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SurgiStep Platform Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The surgeon will be performing the surgery by standing over the SurgiStep Platform. The duration of the usage depends on the length of the surgery being performed by the surgeon. Surgeons will be using this platform for 2 weeks, after which they will be operating on standard foot stool for 2 weeks.

Group II: Standard surgical practice Placebo Group 2 Interventions

The surgeon will be performing the surgery by standing over the standard of care (foot stool). The duration of the usage depends on the length of the surgery being performed by the surgeon. Surgeons use standard foot stool for 2 weeks, and switch to SurgiStep platform for 2 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11337608/

Ergonomics in the operating room and surgical training The survey indicates that 98.7% of respondents experience discomfort or muscle pain during surgery, with varying frequencies of discomfort ( ...

2. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/387287250_Operating_Room_Efficiency

Operating Room Efficiency Exposure variable was team familiarity and outcome measures included operative efficiency, patient outcomes, costs, and/or team satisfaction.

3. thejns.org thejns.org/spine/view/journals/j-neurosurg-spine/41/1/article-p135.xml

Objective assessment of postural ergonomics in neurosurgery During these activities, surgeons remained 53.2% ± 4.2% of the time in a static posture (attendings 55.7% ± 5.1% vs trainees 50.6% ± 3.3%, p > ...

4. pssjournal.biomedcentral.com pssjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13037-025-00445-z

Surgeons' physiological parameters and surgical performance Data on physiological parameters, surgeon and surgical procedure, operating room (OR) setting, performance, study design, objectives, and ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11289160/

Using wearable technology for Posture Regulation to ... This study aims to establish whether the use of a wearable posture device can improve the operating time spent in suboptimal, high-risk postures.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07140835

Evaluation of the Pedal-Controlled Surgistep Platform to Improve ... The Surgistep (pedal-controlled, adjustable platform) allows real-time height adjustment during surgery. The surgeons can adjust the height of the platform.

7. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/0f771b26f76a31d2/nct07140835-prospective-study-surgistep-platform-neurosurgery-ergonomics

Evaluation of the Pedal-Controlled Surgistep Platform to Improve ... Primary Aim: Assess improvement in ergonomics and musculoskeletal discomfort with the Surgistep compared to a standard footstool.

8. ichgcp.net ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT07140835

SurgiStep Platform and Standard Foot stool in Ergonomics - Clinical ... The RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) scale ranges from 1 to 7, with lower scores indicating lower risk and higher scores indicating higher risk of ...

9. linkedin.com linkedin.com/posts/smart-step-surgical-llc_surgistep-healthcareinnovation-surgicalcare-activity-7307556556458401792-K7Zc

Introducing Surgistep: the surgical step stool of the future We're thrilled to unveil our 2D explainer video that showcases how Surgistep is revolutionizing surgical step stools in the operating room.