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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Mar 16, 2026; 18(3): 116646
Published online Mar 16, 2026. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v18.i3.116646
Published online Mar 16, 2026. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v18.i3.116646
Bilateral upper limb surface electromyography analysis during single-operator colonoscopy: Implications for ergonomics and occupational health
Rui-Gang Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
Ying-Qian Wang, Department of Medical Administration, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
Han Cao, Department of Medical Data Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
Author contributions: Wang RG was responsible for experimental design, research protocol development, data analysis, and drafting and revising the manuscript; Wang RG and Cao H was responsible for data analysis; Wang YQ was responsible for equipment debugging and data acquisition; Cao H was responsible for methods selection and review. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Youth Fund, No. 12021C1011; and Capital Medical Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Promotion Program, No. YC202501QX0920.
Institutional review board statement: The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethical Committee of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (approval No. 18115-0-04).
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Data sharing statement:
The research data sources are authentic and reliable. Raw data can be provided upon request, and data usage complies with data management policies.
Corresponding author: Rui-Gang Wang, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tsi
Received: November 18, 2025
Revised: December 21, 2025
Accepted: January 19, 2026
Published online: March 16, 2026
Processing time: 116 Days and 15.7 Hours
Revised: December 21, 2025
Accepted: January 19, 2026
Published online: March 16, 2026
Processing time: 116 Days and 15.7 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This surface electromyography study quantitatively reveals that complex intestinal loops during single-operator colonoscopy induce significant bilateral upper limb muscle strain, with the left extensor digitorum bearing the highest load. Rapid fatigue occurs in specific muscles during prolonged maneuvers. We propose evidence-based ergonomic solutions, including motor-assisted handles, variable-stiffness colonoscopes, and time-restricted operating protocols for high-risk loops, to mitigate occupational injuries and guide the design of next-generation endoscopic devices.