RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Ergonomic Evaluation of Exoskeleton Use in Transoral, Endoscopic, and Transcervical ENT Surgery: A Single Site Non-blinded Study

This study is investigating if a wearable support system, often called an exoskeleton, can make a difference for Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons. Many surgeons experience muscle strain and pain, especially during complex procedures. The research aims to find out if using this device helps reduce physical strain and fatigue in their neck, shoulders, and wrists while they perform operations. Researchers will carefully watch and measure muscle activity and ask surgeons about their pain and tiredness when they use the exoskeleton compared to when they don't. The goal is to see if this technology can improve how comfortable surgeons are during their work.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

180

Start

24 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Muskuloskeletan Pain

What is this study about?

Imagine surgeons spending hours leaning over patients during delicate operations – it can be physically demanding! This study is all about helping Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons feel more comfortable and less tired during these procedures. They are looking into a special wearable support device, called an exoskeleton, which is designed to support the body.

The main idea is to see if this exoskeleton can reduce the physical strain and muscle activity in a surgeon's neck, shoulders, and wrists. Researchers will compare how surgeons cope when they are using the exoskeleton during operations versus when they are not. They will measure muscle activity with small sticky pads on the skin and also ask surgeons directly about any pain or tiredness they feel.

Ultimately, the study wants to understand if this device can make a surgeon's job less physically taxing. By making surgeons more comfortable, it could potentially help them perform their best during surgery. This is an observational study, meaning researchers are watching and recording, rather than giving out new treatments. They are simply comparing two different ways of working.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on helping ENT surgeons feel more comfortable during operations.
It tests a wearable support device called an 'exoskeleton' to reduce physical strain.
Researchers will compare surgeons working with and without the device.
They will measure muscle activity and ask about pain and tiredness.
The goal is to understand if this device can improve surgeon well-being during long procedures.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for ENT surgeons who regularly perform certain types of operations, specifically those involving the mouth, throat, or neck. To join, surgeons must already be familiar with the specific exoskeleton device being tested.

This means they must have used it in at least five surgical procedures before the study begins. They also need to be willing to have small sticky pads placed on their neck and shoulders to measure muscle activity.

Surgeons cannot take part if they have existing muscle or joint problems that stop them from doing these types of operations, or if they can't use the exoskeleton safely. Also, if a surgeon hasn't used the device at least five times before, they won't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an ENT surgeon who does operations in the mouth, throat, or neck?
Have you used the specific Ottobock exoskeleton device for at least 5 operations before?
Are you willing to have small sticky pads placed on your skin to measure muscle activity?
Do you not have any pre-existing muscle or joint problems that stop you from doing these operations?
Can you safely and effectively perform surgery while wearing the Ottobock exoskeleton?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are an ENT surgeon taking part in this study, you will continue to perform your usual operations. The study involves comparing how you work both with and without the special exoskeleton support system. During surgery, small sticky pads will be placed on your neck and shoulders to measure your muscle activity. Before and after your operations, researchers will also check your muscle strength, including in your wrists.

Throughout the procedures, you will be asked regularly (every 10 minutes) to rate any pain or strain you might be feeling. You will follow your normal surgical preparation and positioning routines, and researchers will simply record the information during the operation. There are no extra visits or follow-up appointments outside of your normal work. The total duration of your involvement depends on how many surgical procedures you perform during the study period.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits for patients from this study, as it focuses on the surgeon's well-being. For participating surgeons, a potential benefit is contributing to knowledge that might lead to improved surgical working conditions in the future, possibly reducing physical strain. As for risks, the study involves wearing sticky pads on the skin and taking some strength measurements, which are generally very low risk. Surgeons are already familiar with the exoskeleton, minimising risks related to its use. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this would not affect your medical care or work.

Locations (1)

Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stevenage, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'exoskeleton'?

It's a special wearable support device that helps support a person's body, reducing strain on muscles and joints.

Why are surgeons in this study?

Surgeons often experience physical strain during long operations, so this study is looking for ways to make their work more comfortable.

Will using the exoskeleton affect the surgery itself?

No, surgeons taking part must already be experienced with the exoskeleton, so it won't impact their surgical performance or patient safety.

What do researchers measure during the study?

They measure muscle activity using sticky pads, check muscle strength, and ask surgeons about any pain or tiredness they feel.

Is this study giving out a new treatment?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers are just watching and recording information about how surgeons use an existing support device.

How to find out more

Ananth Vijendren, BM, FRCS (ORL-HNS), PhD

ananth.vijendren1@nhs.net +441438288019 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.