Quantification of physical stress experienced by obstetrics and gynecology sonographers: A comparative study of two ultrasound devices. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kong, Yong-Ku; Cho, Min-Uk; Park, Chae-Won; Kim, Seoung-Yeon; Kim, Min-Jung; Moon, Junpil; Lim, Sungwon; Oh, Byung-Mo; Han, Banseok; Choi, JunHee; Choi, Kyeong-Hee
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Sonographer -- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) -- Ultrasound device -- Scan stress -- Ergonomic design; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103665
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to quantify the stresses of sonographers using two different ultrasound devices, one of conventional and one of ergonomic design. A total of 20 obstetricians and gynecologists participated in this study, and two types of tasks (scanning and positioning) were evaluated while using the two different devices. To quantify workload, four dependent variables (muscle activity, estimated grip force, subjective comfort rating, and task time) were measured. The muscular activity required while using the conventional device was 14.4% MVC (Maximum voluntary contraction) for the scanning task, which was significantly higher than that of the ergonomic device. The subjective comfort rating for the conventional design was lower than that of the ergonomic design. For the positioning task, the ergonomic device (33.2% MVC) resulted in significantly higher muscle activity in the extensor digitorum (ED) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) than the conventional design (22.2% MVC), whereas the deltoid muscle showed significantly lower activity than in users of conventional design (4.5% MVC). Ergonomically-designed ultrasound devices improve ease of moving and the probe's supporters, reduce physical load and increase ease of use for sonographers. Our results may be used as guidelines for usability testing of ultrasound devices. Highlights: ● Two types of ultrasound devices (conventional and ergonomic design) were used to quantify the workload of sonographers in scanning and positioning tasks. In the scanning task, the cable supporter and the expanded control panel applied to the ergonomic design result in significantly lower muscle activity and higher subjective comfort rating compared to the conventional design. In the positioning task, the floating panel system applied to ergonomic design has a positive effect on work efficiency and subjective comfort rating, whereas the muscle activity of the forearm muscle is somewhat increased.