Assessment of position and posture by a physical therapist can help reduce and prevent injury in endoscopists, based on data from a pilot study of eight individuals.
Musculoskeletal injuries among endoscopists are gaining more attention: One technical review indicated that the “prevalence of musculoskeletal pain or injuries ranged from 29% to 89% of gastroenterologists.” While data on avoiding musculoskeletal injury related to endoscopy are limited, recognition of the role of ergonomics is increasing, Stacy A. Markwell, a physical therapist in Chapel Hill, N.C., and colleagues, wrote in a study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.