Distal upper extremity musculoskeletal risk factors associated with colonoscopy

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Gastroenterologists are at increased risk for developing recurrent thumb, hand, and elbow pain due to colonoscopy procedures. We evaluated forearm muscle loads and wrist postures during routine colonoscopy (N=12 gastroenterologists) to understand distal upper extremity musculoskeletal risk factors associated with the 4 different subtasks of colonoscopy. Bilateral forearm extensor carpiradialis (ECR) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) surface electromyography and bilateral wrist postures were recorded continuously. The mean duration of colonoscopy was 24.2 (± 12.1) minutes and was dominated by the withdrawal subtask [13.7 (± 8.8) min] followed by right colon insertion [5.8 (± 4.8) min], left colon insertion [3.5 (± 3.1) min], and retroflexion [1.2 (± 2.1) min]. Median (APDF50) and peak (APDF90) left forearm muscle activity was significantly greater than right forearm muscle activity across all subtasks. Median and peak ECR muscle activity was significantly greater during the left and right colon insertion subtasks compared to retroflexion. Both wrists were predominantly in wrist extension during all phases of colonoscopy. The left forearm muscle activity was higher than right forearm activity due to differences in wrist posture and grip force. The risk factors for the left hand may be reduced with alternative designs and support mechanisms for the colonoscope head.