Application of a motion capture data glove for hand and wrist ergonomic analysis during laparoscopy. Issue 6 (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sánchez-Margallo, Francisco M.; Pérez-Duarte, Francisco J.; Sánchez-Margallo, Juan A.; Lucas-Hernández, Marcos; Matos-Azevedo, Ana Maria; Díaz-Güemes, Idoia
• Is Part Of: Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies. Volume 23:Issue 6(2014)
• Page Start: 350
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Endoscopy -- Periodicals; Interventional radiology -- Periodicals; Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; 617.05
• DOI: 10.3109/13645706.2014.925928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-5706

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objectives:</bold> This study aims to analyze the surgeons' hand spatial configuration during the use of two different instrument handles for laparoscopy, by obtaining information from the data glove CyberGlove®, and establishing existing risk levels for wrist disorders. <bold>Material and methods</bold>: Fifty surgeons participated in this study and were distributed into three groups (novices, intermediate and experts). Each subject carried out suturing and dissection tasks on a physical simulator, using axial-handled or ring-handled instruments, respectively. Hand and wrist positions were registered by the CyberGlove® and a modified RULA method was applied to establish appropriate risk levels for wrist disorders. <bold>Results</bold>: We found statistically significant differences in seven of the eleven glove sensors when comparing both tasks. RULA method showed that all subjects, with the exception of the experts using an axial-handled instrument, assume a prejudicial wrist posture during the practice of suturing and dissection tasks on the simulator. <bold>Conclusions</bold>: Data glove CyberGlove® allows for the distinction between two laparoscopic exercises performed with different instruments. Also, laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing when performed with an axial-handled needle holder entails a more ergonomic posture for the wrist joint. Previous minimally invasive surgical experience is a positive influencing factor on the surgeons' wrist postures during laparoscopy.</p> </abstract>