SynthesisWorld journal of surgery2026
Impact of Intraoperative Ergonomic Microbreaks on Surgeons' Well-Being and Performance: A Systematic Review.
Synthesis in World journal of surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Impact of Intraoperative Ergonomic Microbreaks on Surgeons' Well-Being and Performance: A Systematic Review.World journal of surgery · 2026Pooled it
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSurgeons face a considerable risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Repetitive movements and poor ergonomic conditions can cause pain, particularly in the back, neck, arms, and shoulders. WMSDs not only impact surgeons' quality of life but may also affect surgical performance, absenteeism, and healthcare costs. To reduce WMSDs, intraoperative microbreaks (MBs) with active stretching exercises have been proposed. The aim of this review was to study ergonomic intraoperative MB interventions and their effect on surgeons' symptoms, well-being and performance and to define the features of efficacious interventions.
methodA systematic review of clinical trials evaluating physical or psychological impact of intraoperative microbreaks on surgeons was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar until October 2024. Outcomes of interest included pain, discomfort, fatigue, dexterity, mental focus, stress as well as objective measures.
resultsTen clinical trials (284 study subjects) were retained for final analysis (8 crossover trials and 2 randomized controlled trials). Methodology and assessed outcomes varied considerably between studies. Similarly, interventions were heterogenous in terms of duration, interval, or set of exercises. 6 out of the 10 trials showed at least one improved outcome after the implementation of MBs. The most frequently assessed outcomes were pain and discomfort (improved in 5/8 studies), mental focus (improved in 3/3 studies), and accuracy (improved in 1/3 studies). Five studies evaluated operative duration, all showing no prolonged operating time associated with MBs.
conclusionMicrobreaks might have a positive impact on surgeons' well-being and performance. There is a clear need though for standardization of interventions and outcome measures. The long-term effects of microbreaks and the most efficacious intervention need yet to be defined.
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Registered trials
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