A Pilot Study of an Articulating Support Arm System for Reducing Sustained Posture and Muscular Effort While Performing Echocardiograms

Abstract

Echocardiography is a growing field due to the dual trends in longer life expectancy and rising obesity levels. Several publications have reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal issues among cardiac sonographers due to risk factors that include prolonged transducer pinching, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and prolonged maintenance of static postures. This paper describes the results of a second pilot test of an articulating support arm system (ASAS) that uses a locking mechanism to reduce these exposures. The study involved cardiac sonographers performing an abbreviated ultrasound exam in a clinic setting on healthy male adults who weighed over 90 kg (200 lbs), to reflect typical echocardiogram patients. The sonographers first scanned the actor-patients as they normally would, and then repeated the exam using the ASAS. Results from muscle activity (EMG) assessment showed a significant reduction when using the ASAS. Shoulder abduction and external rotation were also reduced when using the ASAS. Image quality, evaluated by a cardiologist, was determined to be the same for the two test conditions. The device was generally well received and thought to have potential in addressing the targeted risk factors. The ASAS is a prototype and requires further design and engineering development before it is ready for implementation.