Ergonomic Intervention for Musculoskeletal Pain in Surgeons

Overseen By Marisa Latham, RN

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Musculoskeletal injury treatment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

51 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Physiatrist Ergonomic Intervention for musculoskeletal pain in surgeons?

While there is no direct evidence provided for the effectiveness of Physiatrist Ergonomic Intervention specifically for surgeons, ergonomic interventions are generally recognized as important for reducing musculoskeletal pain in occupations with high physical demands, like surgery. The research highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among surgeons, suggesting that ergonomic strategies could potentially help alleviate this issue. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the ergonomic intervention for musculoskeletal pain in surgeons safe?

The research does not provide specific safety data for ergonomic interventions, but it highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among surgeons due to non-ergonomic positions and repetitive actions, suggesting a need for safe ergonomic solutions. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does the ergonomic intervention treatment for musculoskeletal pain in surgeons differ from other treatments?

The ergonomic intervention for musculoskeletal pain in surgeons is unique because it focuses on prevention and rehabilitation strategies specifically tailored for surgeons, an occupational group with high risk for such pain. Unlike general treatments, this approach considers the specific work-related risk factors and ergonomic needs of surgeons to reduce pain and improve their functional performance. ^{1 2 7 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this randomized control trial is to learn if physical therapy coaching and education improves work-related muscle pain in surgeons more than education alone. The main focuses of this study are to: 1. To evaluate pain in surgeons before and after surgical cases. 2. To evaluate work-load related stress in surgeons after surgical cases. 3. To evaluate surgeons' quality of life. 4. To evaluate surgeons' grip strength. Participants will be put into two groups at random. One group will watch an educational video only. The other group will watch an educational video and get a coaching session from a physical therapist.

Research Team

Kimberly Kho, MD

Principal Investigator

UTSW

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for attending surgeons or surgical trainees (PGY2 or above) in any specialty who operate at least one day per week. It's not suitable for those planning to reduce their operating time soon or currently receiving treatment for a musculoskeletal injury.

Inclusion Criteria

I work or am active at least one day a week.

Attending/faculty surgeon or surgical trainee (PGY2 or above) in any surgical specialty

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently receiving treatment for a muscle or bone injury.

I plan to work less than one day a week in the next 6 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-intervention Assessment

Participants undergo baseline assessments including demographic questionnaire, WHO GPAQ, and AROM assessment.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants receive either an educational video or an educational video plus coaching sessions. Coaching sessions occur at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

6 weeks

1 visit (in-person), 3 visits (virtual)

Post-intervention Follow-up

Post-intervention assessments are conducted on the first operating day after intervention, and at 2 and 6 weeks after initial intervention.

6 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Long-term Follow-up

Long-term follow-up assessments are performed at 3 and 6 months after the initial intervention.

6 months

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Physiatrist Ergonomic Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if physical therapy coaching combined with an educational video on ergonomics can better improve muscle pain, stress levels, quality of life, and grip strength in surgeons after surgery compared to just the educational video.

Participant Groups

Group I: Education only Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm only includes a 6-8 minute educational video on ergonomics.

Group II: Education and coaching sessions Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

This arm includes a 6-8 minute education video on ergonomics and 1:1 15 minute coach sessions at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,102

Recruited

1,077,000+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using an intervention mapping approach to develop prevention and rehabilitation strategies for musculoskeletal pain among surgeons. [2020]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Complaints in Surgeons. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Biomechanical Burden of Orthopaedic Procedures and Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained by Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Systematic Review. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A narrative review of ergonomic problems, principles, and potential solutions in surgical operations. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Procedure Type, Case Duration, and Adjunctive Equipment on Surgeon Intraoperative Musculoskeletal Discomfort. [2021]

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Lead Aprons on Posture of Orthopaedic Surgeons. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk Assessment and Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgeons. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of chair types on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during vaginal surgery. [2017]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Preventive Program for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Surgeons: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. [2020]

10. Turkey pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of Kinesiotape application on functional performance in surgeons who have musculo-skeletal pain after performing surgery. [2022]