Ergonomic Benefits of a Self-Driving Mobile C-Arm: Reducing Musculoskeletal Strain and Whole-Body Vibration in R.T.s.

PURPOSE: To compare the ergonomic advantages of a self-driving C-arm (CIARTIC Move; Siemens Healthineers) with a standard mobile C-arm (Cios Spin; Siemens Healthineers) by evaluating physical workload and range of motion (ROM) in a simulated clinical environment.

METHODS

Eight participants of varied ages, both sexes, and different levels of expertise transported equipment and performed positioning tasks while sensors collected ROM of the back and whole-body vibration (WBV) data.

RESULTS

The CIARTIC Move significantly reduced flexion-extension ROM by 48% (P 5 .01) in younger women. Statistically significant ROM reductions with the CIARTIC Move also were observed in younger participants (36%, P 5 .02), in women (36%, P 5 .04) and in men (39%, P 5 .01). For WBV, the Cios Spin system exhibited higher and more variable acceleration values, peaking at 0.69 m/s2 (x-axis) and 0.81 m/s2 (z-axis). The CIARTIC Move decreased accelerations compared with the Cios Spin by 12% to 45% among the axes, with notable reductions in the y-axis (30%, P 5 .01) and x-axis (45%, P 5 .01). Among participants, the CIARTIC Move significantly reduced y-axis vibrations for women (33%, P 5 .03) and z-axis vibrations for men (41%, P 5 .001).

DISCUSSION: Radiologic technologists frequently develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and physical demands of operating mobile C-arms. The self-driving C-arm demonstrated superior ergonomic benefits compared with the standard model by reducing ROM and WBV among various axes and participants.

CONCLUSION

The CIARTIC Move might help mitigate MSD risks in radiologic technologists by promoting better motion control and decreasing physical strain.