SVU 2025 Annual Conference Ergonomics Session-SVU 2025 Annual Conference Ergonomics Session

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The ergonomics session, introduced by Jeanne White-Melendez, addressed work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries among vascular technologists (VTs), a prevalent issue causing disability in sonographers. Dr. Kevin Evans shared insights from his unique three-and-a-half-year longitudinal study involving over 3,000 participants, focusing specifically on 351 "pure" vascular technologists. Key findings included high rates of discomfort, especially in the shoulder, neck, wrist, and lower back, visual discomfort and headaches linked to workstation factors, and the impact of workflow interruptions. Notably, conventional ergonomic training often proves ineffective as it isn't tailored to sonographers' specific tasks, highlighting the need for specialized education and systemic workplace changes.<br /><br />Jeanne White-Melendez emphasized proper body mechanics during scanning, demonstrating corrective postural adjustments like rotating the body toward the patient, shortening lever arms, and adjusting equipment height and positioning to reduce strain. She advocated for adopting ambidextrous scanning and the importance of body awareness, physical therapy, and peer mentorship to maintain musculoskeletal health.<br /><br />Megan Shaw concluded with strategies to advocate for a healthier work environment, addressing staffing shortages, communication challenges, workload pressures, and burnout. She underscored management roles in supporting early pain reporting, physical therapy, ergonomics policies, and providing resources such as exercise equipment. For individuals, regular physical activity—especially walking and targeted strength training—was encouraged to build joint support, reduce injuries, and sustain career longevity.<br /><br />Overall, the session highlighted the critical need for tailored ergonomic interventions, collaborative workplace culture, and proactive self-care to prevent MSK injuries, promote sonographer well-being, and sustain the vascular technology workforce.

Keywords

ergonomics

musculoskeletal injuries

vascular technologists

sonographers

workstation ergonomics

postural adjustments

ambidextrous scanning

workplace health advocacy

physical therapy

injury prevention