Overview
The goal of this observational study is to learn whether an exoskeleton system can reduce musculoskeletal strain and pain during microscopic ear surgery in ENT surgeons performing tympanomastoid and related microscopic ear procedures. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does the use of an exoskeleton reduce musculoskeletal strain (measured via surface EMG activity) during surgery? Does the use of an exoskeleton reduce subjective pain scores in the neck, back, and shoulders during surgery?
Researchers will compare surgeries performed with the exoskeleton versus surgeries performed without the exoskeleton to see if it reduces strain, muscle activity, and pain levels.
Participants will:
Perform microscopic ear surgeries with and without the exoskeleton system Wear surface EMG electrodes on the neck, back, and shoulders to record muscle activity Provide subjective pain/strain scores at regular intervals (every 5 minutes) during surgery Follow standard surgical preparation and positioning procedures before data collection begins
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- ENT surgeons who perform a range of microscopic ear surgery including tympanomastoid surgery and hearing implants.
- Willing to participate with surface EMG (sEMG) monitoring and utilise the Ottobock exoskeleton
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pre-existing musculoskeletal problems that limits procedures under microscope and tympanomastoid surgery
- Unable to perform surgery using the exoskeleton
