Ergonomic assessment of physical workloads during standard and robotic assisted laparoscopic procedures : A subjective, muscular and kinematics evaluation.
Seance of wednesday 17 june 2026 (Troubles musculosquelettiques au bloc opératoire)
DOI number : 10.26299/jhfb-d978/emem.2026.25.02
Abstract
Standard laparoscopy (SL) is known for the non-ergonomic positions it imposes on the surgeon, which cause physical and mental workloads that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL), by virtue of the seated position, offers new working conditions for the surgeon.
We present our study evaluating the objective and perceived physical workload of the surgeon across both techniques. To this end, three laparoscopic postures (pelvic, lumbar, and supramesocolic) and the robotic posture were studied. The procedures were performed on animal models and replicated real interventions.
Objective physical workload was evaluated using electromyographic activity (trapezius, erector spinae, flexor digitorum, extensor digitorum), heart rate, and posture (3D kinematics). Perceived physical workload was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale and the NASA-TLX.
Twenty-three surgeons performed 44 procedures (11 RAL, 11x3 SL). Laparoscopy is associated with a restrictive working posture as well as a significant objective and perceived physical workload. The seated and supported position in robotic surgery reduces perceived physical exertion as well as muscular workload, and as such, it may represent a solution for reducing MSDs in surgeons.
We present our study evaluating the objective and perceived physical workload of the surgeon across both techniques. To this end, three laparoscopic postures (pelvic, lumbar, and supramesocolic) and the robotic posture were studied. The procedures were performed on animal models and replicated real interventions.
Objective physical workload was evaluated using electromyographic activity (trapezius, erector spinae, flexor digitorum, extensor digitorum), heart rate, and posture (3D kinematics). Perceived physical workload was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale and the NASA-TLX.
Twenty-three surgeons performed 44 procedures (11 RAL, 11x3 SL). Laparoscopy is associated with a restrictive working posture as well as a significant objective and perceived physical workload. The seated and supported position in robotic surgery reduces perceived physical exertion as well as muscular workload, and as such, it may represent a solution for reducing MSDs in surgeons.