Obstetrics 2.0 — Virtual Models to Avoid Birth Injury

Closed

Advances in modern medicine have greatly reduced the risks to mother and child associated with childbirth in recent decades. Nevertheless, the birth process still carries considerable risks. Despite all the improvements, long-term damage caused by birth injuries such as lock muscle damage and incontinence affect the health and quality of life of many mothers until the end of life and pose a significant burden on the health system. In 2015, about 220,000 babies in the Czech Republic and Bavaria gave birth to two thirds naturally. Up to 9 % of naturally born mothers suffered birth injuries with long-term effects. The likelihood of injury can be reduced by manual obstetrics (manual, perineal protection, MPP). However, a correct and optimal application is necessary. Currently, there is no detailed clinical description of the optimal manual obstetrics. The controllable parameters are the positioning, the effort and the hand movements. Only with the help of digital human models can the effects of these parameters on intrinsic biomechanics and thus the complex interactions in the context of the birth process be quantified. In the project requested, such models for the optimisation of the MPP, especially with regard to ergonomic and biomechanical factors, will be developed and applied, thus enabling an optimised description of manulent obstetrics for the first time. The virtual shoulder model, developed in INTERREG Project 38, is to be extended to include a hand-forearm model that is needed to simulate the birth process and the MPP. Ústav anatomy (Úa) develops the anatomical and physiological parameters for the model, Nové technologie — Výzkumné centrum (NTC) develops the detailed hand submodel, Laboratory for Biomechanics (LBM) integrates this model into the existing shoulder model (Interreg Project 38). NTC and LBM validate the models together and carry out the ergonomic analyses in consultation with the partner Úa. Biomedicínské centrum (BC) provides gynecological expertise. In addition to socio-economic factors (cost reduction), the results of the project also affect aspects relating to personal life, such as prevention of complications and long-term health damage, as well as a faster resumption of professional activity.The developed models can be applied beyond the context of the project to a variety of ergonomic issues, especially with regard to changing demographics, it is important to design attractive working and living environments and thus to maintain the quality of life and economic performance in the region.

Medium