Structured muscle-strengthening exercise program and intraoperative targeted stretch micro-breaks: A work in cohesion to improve surgeon ergonomics during open thyroidectomy and modified radical mastectomy - 11/08/25
, Mohit Joshi a, Brijesh kumar a, Hemanga K. Bhattacharjee a, Maroof A. Khan c, Yashdeep Gupta d, Ashok K. Jaryal b, Rajinder Parshad aAbstract |
Background |
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are an emerging occupational health concern for surgeons. We studied the effect of structured exercise training, and intraoperative Targeted Stretch Micro-Breaks on surgeons’ workload during open thyroidectomy and modified radical mastectomy (MRM).
Methods |
Experienced surgeons performed thyroidectomies and MRM before and after a structured self-administered muscle-strengthening exercise program and Targeted Stretch Micro-Breaks. Workload was assessed using EMG, body part discomfort, and SURG-TLX questionnaires. To observe the median change in pre intervention muscle data to post intervention muscle data, Wilcoxon Sign rank test was used.
Results |
Four surgeons performed 5 MRM and three thyroidectomy pre and post intervention. EMG analysis for MRM showed reduced muscle fatigue and postural muscle strain post-intervention. Thyroidectomy data indicated decreased trapezius activity, suggesting reduced neck strain. Body part discomfort questionnaire assessment showed improvement but SURG TLX didn't show any change post intervention.
Conclusions |
Self-administered structured muscle-strengthening exercises and TSMB improved muscle efficiency and reduced muscle strain, although subjective workload remained unchanged.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | Evaluated effect of self-administered structured muscle training program and TSMB in open thyroidectomy and modified radical mastectomy. |
• | Wireless wearable surface EMG electrodes and SURG TLX questionnaire used. |
• | Results show reprogramming of muscle usage and decreased left postural muscle strain. |
• | No significant change in perceived workload (SURG-TLX scores). |
• | Interventions show beneficial effect on muscle strain. However, prolonged training may be needed for subjective workload reduction. |
Keywords : SURG -TLX, Surface electromyography, Targeted stretch micro-breaks, Modified radical mastectomy, Thyroidectomy, Ergonomics
Plan
| This article is part of a special issue entitled: SSE Research Symposium 2025 published in The American Journal of Surgery. |
Vol 247
Article 116517- septembre 2025 Retour au numéro
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