25premus158 10.3205/25premus158 urn:nbn:de:0183-25premus1581 Meeting Abstract Christiansen Christiansen Helle Joon HJ

Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark

author Fleng Sandal Fleng Sandal Louise L

University of Southern Denmark, Center for Muscle and Joint Health, Odense, Denmark

author Mogensen Mogensen Ole O

Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark Aarhus University Hospital, Dept. Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus, Denmark

author Norasi Norasi Hamid H

Mayo Clinic, Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Rochester, United States

author Chrouser Chrouser Kristin K

University of Michigan, Dept. of Urology, Ann Arbor, United States Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, United States

author Hallbeck Hallbeck Susan S

Mayo Clinic, Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Rochester, United States

author Jensen Jensen Pernilletine P

Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark Aarhus University Hospital, Dept. Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus, Denmark

author Dalager Dalager Tina T

Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark University of Southern Denmark, Center for Muscle and Joint Health, Odense, Denmark

author German Medical Science GMS Publishing House

Düsseldorf

610 20250909 engl This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Dieser Artikel ist ein Open-Access-Artikel und steht unter den Lizenzbedingungen der Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (Namensnennung). M0625 158 12th International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders PREMUS 2025 Symposium SYM 2 Tübingen 20250909 20250912 158 TextIntroduction: Surgeons have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain which is a significant threat to their career longevity and overall wellbeing. While improving intraoperative ergonomics and raising awareness are important preventive strategies, physical exercise remains a cornerstone in both the preventing and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain. Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) offers a tailored, evidence-based approach by designing targeted exercise programs based on the location of musculoskeletal pain, job-specific physical demands, individual physical capacity, and overall health. Incorporating IPET into the daily routines of surgeons has the potential to reduce pain, enhance physical resilience, and extend professional longevity—especially critical in the context of an aging population with growing surgical demands. The objective of this trial is to investigate the effectiveness of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) in addition to ergonomic recommendations (Good Ergonomics) on musculoskeletal pain among abdominal and pelvic surgeons.Methods: This protocol describes an international, pragmatic, multicenter, 20-week randomized controlled trial, in which surgeons are assigned to either IPET + Good Ergonomics (intervention) or Good Ergonomics only (control) in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The IPET program provides 50 minutes of individualized weekly exercise tailored to: Job-specific physical demands (sedentary, walking/standing, or heavy work), Physical capacity (cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance), and Health risk indicators (BMI, blood pressure), including musculoskeletal pain. The IPET program is delivered via a mobile application. Good Ergonomics consists of operating room ergonomics recommendations, displayed on posters in hospital departments and operation rooms with short informational videos. Eligible surgeons perform surgery (either open or minimally invasive) for at least four hours per week on average. The primary outcome is the mean change in musculoskeletal pain in the most painful body region reported at baseline to the 20-week follow-up.Results: The trial is ongoing with continuous recruitment. In Denmark, three surgical departments have completed their participation, while three other departments across two hospitals are actively participating. Additionally, two more departments at separate Danish hospitals have signed up to join the trial. In the United States, three departments within a single hospital are participating.Discussion: This trial addresses the research gap on effective interventions for musculoskeletal pain among surgeons. Its pragmatic design and inclusive eligibility criteria enhance external validity, though challenges like protocol adherence and retention may impact internal validity. The findings could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of prescribing IPET to surgeons to prevent and rehabilitate musculoskeletal pain in surgeons. Additionally, the results may point to future musculoskeletal pain management strategies, ultimately contributing to efforts to prevent a future shortage of surgeons.Registration no. NCT06112106. 0 0 0 0