“The Ergonomic Study of Hand Related Injuries In Gastroenterologists During Colonoscopy Procedures”

Prof.  David Rempel, Professor of Medicine (UCSF)

Professor in Bioengineering (UCB)

School of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California

In this study we will be measuring the ergonomic risk factors of gastroenterologists performing colonoscopies.  The ergonomic risk factors have been identified as, force applied by hands, forearm stress during muscle loading, and wrist posture.  We will be using a variety of equipment like the finger force sensor system that measures force in the hand when using the colonoscope to identify the amount of force that is being used by the hands.  Electromyography (EMG) allows us to measure loads applied by muscles of the forearm and another commonly used instrument called electro-goniometers that measure postures in the wrist.  This study will allow us to identify tasks when performing colonoscopy that may contribute to injuries in the hand, wrist, and forearm due to overuse. Once understanding the risk factors we will be able to begin a new design tool that will reduce hand injuries in the near future.

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Luis is a Mexican-American student who is currently attending Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. Luis’ plan is to transfer to UC Berkeley to begin his major in Nutritional Science: Physiology and Metabolism, in the College of Natural Resources. His goal is to attend John Hopkins University School of Medicine and graduate in Neurology and Neurosurgery. His long-term dream is to fund and open a medical clinic in Atacheo Michoacán, Mexico, to help out the poor who lack basic medical attention such as regular doctors visits and an emergency place to receive treatment.