Post written by Veronica Bessone, PhD, from Human Factors Engineering, Research & Development, Ambu Innovation, Augsburg, Germany.

The focus of this study was to determine whether lightweight single-use endoscopes reduce muscle strain and fatigue in endoscopists, potentially improving their ergonomics and overall comfort during procedures.

Interest is increasing in ergonomics in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This study is important for exploring how advancements in medical device design can impact the health and efficiency of healthcare professionals, and especially to do it objectively by means of wearable electromyographic sensors.

In addition, by performing standardized repetitive movements in a controlled set-up, it was possible to exclude external factors affecting user movements—for example, interaction with the medical staff—and concentrate exclusively on interaction between the endoscopist and endoscope.

The study demonstrated that using lightweight disposable gastroscopes and duodenoscopes substantially reduces muscle activation in the left forearm of endoscopists compared with traditional, heavier endoscopes. This reduction in muscle strain is crucial, as it can help prevent or delay the onset of tremor, fatigue, and even long-term musculoskeletal injuries among practitioners.

Although, to our knowledge, previous research with single-use endoscopes primarily focused on procedural success rates, infection control, and patient safety, this study focuses on the often overlooked health and well-being of the endoscopist.

Given these promising results, the next steps should involve broader clinical trials to validate these findings across different settings and populations and in real-case scenarios. Further research could explore the long-term benefits of using lightweight disposable endoscopes, not only in terms of muscle activation, but also overall practitioner health and job satisfaction.

In conclusion, this study marks a significant step forward in enhancing ergonomics of endoscopic procedures. By prioritizing the health and comfort of endoscopists, we can pave the way for safer and more effective medical practices.

Finally, the primary focus was on endoscopist muscle activation, but it is essential to consider how disposable endoscopes might affect procedure outcomes. Future studies could investigate whether the reduced muscle strain on endoscopists translates to shorter procedure times, fewer adverse events, and overall better patient care.

A, Reusable gastroscope (GIF-HQ190; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) in black, disposable-use gastroscope (aScope Gastro; Ambu, Ballerup, Denmark) in white, and ErgoSleeve (Myontec, Kuopio, Finland) at top. B, Reusable duodenoscope (TJF-Q190V; Olympus) in black and disposable-use duodenoscope (aScope Duodeno 2; Ambu) in white. The difference in handle angulation can be seen.

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