Ergonomic Benefits From Robotically Assisted Laparoscopy for Hysterectomies and Other Indications

The muscle activity of the bilateral trapezius pars descendens muscle will be assessed using surface electromyography, with the root-mean-square (RMS) of electrical muscle activity recordings measured through bipolar surface electrodes. Data will be normalized to an isometric voluntary maximum electrical activation (MVE).

The muscle activity of the bilateral forearm muscles will be assessed using surface electromyography, with the root-mean-square (RMS) of electrical muscle activity recordings measured through bipolar surface electrodes. Data will be normalized to an isometric voluntary maximum electrical activation (MVE).

For kinematics, the outcome measures involve the assessment of shoulder abduction, trunk, and head flexion angles in degrees, which are determined using gravimetric position sensors, providing precise measurements of body positioning during the task.

Perceived physical discomfort is evaluated by assessing its frequency and intensity. Frequency indicates the number of occurrences, while intensity is measured on a 0 to 10 scale, where higher values indicate more intense discomfort. These measurements are recorded at 20-minute intervals to monitor changes in discomfort over time.

Perceived mental demand is evaluated using the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration ) Task Load Index (TLX) questionnaire's mental demand dimension, providing a subjective score ranging from 0 to 21, reflecting the perceived cognitive load during the task. Higher values are representing higher perceived mental demand.

Heart rate (beats per minute) and heart rate variability, such as SDNN (standard deviation of the beat-to-beat differences in instantaneous heart rate), are recorded via electrocardiography to quantify physiological responses associated with mental demand.

Heart rate variability, to be precise SDNN (standard deviation of the beat-to-beat differences in instantaneous heart rate), are recorded via electrocardiography to quantify physiological responses associated with mental demand.

Work precision is measured during surgery using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 mm, providing an indication of the precision and accuracy of the surgical maneuvers performed.

Eye strain is evaluated using a 10-item questionnaire designed to assess the severity of eye strain, with each question scored on a scale from 0 to 6, aiding in the comprehensive understanding of the subjective experience of visual discomfort.

The Nordic Questionnaire encompasses an evaluation of diverse parameters, including body height (measured in centimeters), body weight (measured in kilograms), physical activity (assessed in hours of sports per week), work experience (measured in years), and the presence of musculoskeletal complaints within the last 12 months, along with point prevalence [n]. This holistic assessment offers critical insights into the participants' physical condition and occupational health status.

Additionally, please note that the Nordic Questionnaire does not specifically employ a single scale; rather, it utilizes various metrics tailored to the different parameters, and thus, the measurement scales can differ based on the specific parameter being assessed.

The duration of the surgical procedure is a critical outcome measure, recorded in minutes, providing a precise indication of the time taken to complete the specific surgical intervention, aiding in the assessment of surgical efficiency and time management.

The perceived difficulty of the surgery is measured using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 mm, with 0 indicating that the surgery was not difficult and 100 indicating that the surgery was very difficult. This measure allows the surgeons to subjectively express the complexity and challenges associated with the performed surgical procedure.