Analysis of the posture pattern during robotic simulator tasks using an optical motion capture system.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons are sometimes forced to maintain uncomfortable joint positions during robotic surgery despite the high degree of instrument maneuverability. This study aimed to use an optical motion capture system to analyze the differences in posture patterns during robotic simulator tasks between surgeons at two skill levels.

METHODS: Ten experienced and ten novice surgeons performed two tasks in a da Vinci Skills Simulator: Suture Sponge 1 (SP) and Tubes (TU). The participants' upper body motion during each task was captured, including the joint angles (axilla, elbow, and wrist), the percentage of time when the wrist height was lower than the elbow height (PTW), and the height of the elbow and wrist relative to the armrest.

RESULTS: The novice group showed significantly more excess extension in both elbow angles and extension (>50°) in both wrist angles than did the experienced group. The novice group had significantly lower PTW than the experienced group on the right side in both tasks (both p < 0.001), and on the left side in SP (p < 0.001). Compared with the experienced group, the novice group had a significantly higher elbow relative to the armrest on the right side (SP, TU: p < 0.05), and a significantly lower wrist relative to the armrest on the right side (SP, TU: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: An optical motion capture system can detect the differences in posture patterns in the positional relationship between the elbow and wrist and the joint angles of the upper limb between two groups of surgeons at different skill levels during robotic simulator tasks.