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.