Page 3 - Ergonomic Analysis

Many studies have shown that musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries within hospital workers are

related to the tasks performed (Berguer, Forkey & Smith, 1999; Crawford, McHugo & Vaughan, 2002).

In their occupational activity endoscopists face demands and restrictions on the range of movements

determining their inherent postural workload (Overholt, 1995; Riemann, 1993; Sivak, Manoy & Rich,

2000). To date there have been limited study during endoscopic examinations related to these issue.

INTRODUCTION

Nevertheless, task analysis of endoscopic examinations have shown that the movements of flexion,

extension and rotation of the axial skeleton and elevation of upper limbs are ependent on several

factors as the type of endoscopy, its duration and the placement of endoscopic equipment. This paper

is focused on the methodological aspects of the study and primary results.