Biofeedback device to improve posture in surgical residents
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself: A Wearable Biofeedback Device to Decrease Surgical Resident's Time in a Non-upright Posture and Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain
This study is testing a special device that helps surgical residents keep better posture during surgeries to see if it can reduce discomfort and improve their long-term health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06564519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a posture training device that provides biofeedback to surgical residents to help them maintain an upright posture during laparoscopic procedures. The device vibrates gently when the resident's posture deviates from the neutral position, aiming to reduce the time spent in non-upright positions. Over a four-week period, residents will wear the device while performing surgeries, and their posture data along with musculoskeletal discomfort will be assessed using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The goal is to decrease musculoskeletal disorders and enhance the longevity of surgical careers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are surgical residents in their second to fifth year of training who are completing a rotation in general surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with clinically diagnosed inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders or those who have undergone orthopedic surgery in the last six months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve the overall well-being of surgical residents.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ergonomic practices for attending surgeons, this specific approach targeting surgical residents with biofeedback is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Surgical residents with surgical experience of at least one year (Postgraduate year 2-5) * Completing a one-month rotation at the study sites within the general surgery department during the study period Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically diagnosed inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders per self-report * History of orthopedic surgery in the last six months per self-report
Where this trial is running
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William Sherrill, MD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Nicole Kaiser
- Email: nicole.kaiser@atriumhealth.org
- Phone: 704-355-2000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.