Artificial intelligence based real-time video ergonomic assessment and training improves resident ergonomics

BACKGROUND: Surgery demands long hours and intense exertion raising ergonomic concerns. We piloted a sensorless artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ergonomics analysis app to determine its feasibility for use with residents.

METHODS: Surgery residents performed simulated laparoscopic tasks before and after a review of the SCORE ergonomics curriculum while filmed with a sensorless app from Kinetica Labs that calculates joint angles as a metric of ergonomics. A survey was completed before the session and a focus group was conducted after.

RESULTS: Thirteen surgical residents participated in the study. The brief intervention took little time and residents improved their ergonomic scores in neck and right shoulder angles. Residents expressed increased awareness of ergonomics based on the session content and AI information. All trainees desired more training in ergonomics.

CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic assessment AI software can provide immediate feedback to surgical trainees to improve ergonomics. Additional studies using sensorless AI technology are needed.