EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ERGONOMIC AND MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTION ON MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN, BURNOUT, STRESS, AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG SURGEONS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Surgeons are exposed to prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, high workload, psychological stress, and irregular working hours, which may contribute to musculoskeletal pain, burnout, perceived stress, and poor sleep quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an integrated ergonomic and mindfulness-based intervention on these occupational health outcomes.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 40 surgeons recruited from the surgical departments of Evercare Hospital and Gulab Devi Chest Hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group and control group. The intervention group received an 8-week program comprising ergonomic education, therapeutic stretching and postural exercises, mindfulness and breathing exercises, stress-management techniques, and sleep-hygiene education. The control group continued usual clinical and occupational practices. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Within-group changes were analyzed using paired-samples tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Baseline characteristics and outcome measures did not differ significantly between groups ( p > 0.05). Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain (NPRS, p < 0.001), musculoskeletal symptoms (NMQ, p < 0.001), burnout (MBI, p < 0.001), perceived stress (PSS-10, p < 0.001), and sleep quality (PSQI, p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed no statistically significant changes in NPRS (p = 0.120), NMQ (p = 0.210), MBI (p = 0.180), PSS-10 (p = 0.240), or PSQI (p = 0.190).

Conclusion: The study concluded that ergonomic and mindfulness-based intervention was associated with significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, burnout, perceived stress, and sleep quality among surgeons. The findings support a multidimensional approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects of surgeons' occupational health.