Ergonomic design and evaluation of a diagnostic ultrasound transducer holder

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the body’s movement and musculoskeletal system. Awkward postures represent one of the major ergonomic risk factors that cause WMSDs among sonographers while working with an ultrasound transducer. This study aimed to design and evaluate a new holder for the ultrasound transducer. Materials and methods. In the first phase a new holder was designed for the transducer, considering design principles. Evaluation of the new holder was then carried out by electrogoniometry and a locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scale. Results. The application of design principles to the new holder resulted in an improvement of wrist posture and comfort. Wrist angles in extension, flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation were lower with utilization of the new holder. The severity of discomfort based on the LPD method in the two modes of work with and without the new holder was reported with values of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively (p?<?0.05). Conclusion. Overall, this study indicated that applying ergonomics design principles was effective in minimizing wrist deviation and increasing comfort while working with the new holder.