The role of ergonomics training and posture exercises in surgeons’ musculoskeletal system disorders
Sevinç Külekçioğlu1
, Evren Dilektaşlı2
1Department of Physiotherapy, Mudanya University Faculty of Health Sciences, Bursa, Türkiye
2Department of General Surgery, İstinye University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Türkiye
Abstract
Objective: The surgeon needs to understand the risks involved in performing surgery with ergonomic errors. Although there are many barriers to ergonomic effectiveness, success begins with the surgeon’s awareness, recognition of existing obstacles, and education. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of ergonomic training and posture exercises on the surgeon’s pain, physical workload, psychological state, and quality of life to prevent musculoskeletal system disorders and extend career life.
Material and Methods: Surgeons who had completed at least one year in their profession, worked an average of 40 hours a week, had musculoskeletal pain in at least one area, and volunteered to participate in the study, regardless of gender and age, were included in the study. Researchers carried out the ergonomics training and exercise program individually by giving face-to-face training. Surgeons were asked to complete the physical workload questionnaire (PWQ), Beck depression index (BDI), and short form health survey (SF-36) before and one month after the study. Changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) and activities of daily living were recorded.
Results: Surgeons who received ergonomic training and exercise programs showed significant improvements in pain, physical workload, depression, and quality of life measurements.
Conclusion: To prevent fatigue and pain resulting from the accumulation of ergonomic flaws, surgeons should be trained and guided on proper posture and endurance, and encouraged to maintain a comfortable and natural posture.
Keywords: Surgeon, exercise, pain, posture, ergonomic, musculoskeletal system disorders
Cite this article as: Külekçioğlu S, Dilektaşlı E. The role of ergonomics training and posture exercises in surgeons’ musculoskeletal system disorders. Turk J Surg 2024; 40 (3): 204-211.
The study was approved by the İstinye University Human Researches Ethics Committee (Decision no: 2023/09, Date: 06.11.2023).
Externally peer-reviewed.
Concept - ED, SK; Design - SK; Supervision - ED; Fundings - SK; Materials - SK; Data Collection and/or Processing - SK; Analysis and/or Interpretation - ED; Literature Search - SK; Writing Manuscript - SK; Critical Reviews - ED.
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.