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Biomechanics in the Workplace. What Is Biomechanics?. Definition: “The study of forces acting on and generated within a body and the effects of these forces on the tissues, fluid, or materials used for the diagnosis, treatment, or research purposes.”
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What Is Biomechanics? • Definition: “The study of forces acting on and generated within a body and the effects of these forces on the tissues, fluid, or materials used for the diagnosis, treatment, or research purposes.” • Biomechanics is a large field that combines physics, calculus, anatomy, and physiology for the study of human movement
Why is it Important? • Fixing “problem jobs” reduces musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and injury related costs. • Understanding of human movement facilitates better teaching, successful coaching, more observant therapy, knowledgeable exercise prescription, and new research ideas.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) • Work related injuries • Typically develop over time due to repeated stresses tendons, muscles, and nerves • Common injuries: Neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis
Causes for MSD • 1. Repetition: Using the same movement over and over for a extended period of time. • 2. Force: Using a lot of force for pushing, lifting, or pulling heavy objects. • 3. Work rate: Continuous labor, especially if proper recovery time is not met. • 4. Awkward Positions: Movements that work muscles and joints past acceptable movement angles.
Reducing the Risks of MSD • Frequent stretching • Using proper movements • Good overall health • Staying hydrated • Rest • Fitness • A good attitude
Biomechanics in the Workplace • Working postures can greatly influence strain on the lower back. Both mobile and sedentary styles of work present injury risk. • Frequent bending, twisting, lifting, pulling, and pushing are some of the risk factors for back injuries, the most common injury in the workplace.
Biomechanics in the Office A presentation on: Staying safe at work
Biomechanics in the Office:Sitting Posture • When sitting down at a desk the worst possible strain on the spine is a slouched liked position. • Higher seating height can decrease the compressive force on the spine. Try to maintain your back close to a 90° angle in relation with your thigh. • Generally several short breaks throughout the day to stand and move will greatly reduce muscle fatigue
Biomechanics in the Office:Proper typing Posture • 1. Place keyboard upright so your wrists are in a neutral position when your fingers are paced on the keys. • 2. Avoid neck fatigue and headaches by adjusting your monitor slightly below eye level and approximately one arm length from your body. • 3. Avoid holding the mouse tightly • 4. Use a document holder to position paperwork next to your monitor.
Biomechanics in the Office:Standing Posture • While Standing or in motion, maintain an erect but comfortable spinal position. • Strain from standing can be greatly reduced by using floor mats, using a foot rest, making sure the work area has adequate foot clearance, and wearing proper shoes. Often sturdy, comfortable soles help with posture • One of the most important factors for both standing and sitting is to avoid prolonged static postures.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) • A pinched nerve in the wrist that can cause serious long term injury. • The tendons in the wrist begin to swell which puts pressure on the median nerve. • Signs of CTS are most commonly a numbing or tingling pain in the hand and fingers.
Muscle Strain • Majority of strains are caused by overstretching in which small tears occur in the muscle. • Can be very minor or severe, such as a torn tendon in the neck, back, or shoulder. • Some common symptoms: Pain and tenderness when moving, Swelling and brusing, limited muscle movement, a bulge or deformity underneath the skin. • Recovery time varies depending on a person’s age, health, and severity of injury.
Biomechanics in the Field:Lifting • Before attempting to lift ask yourself: • 1. Can I lift this alone? • 2. Is the load too big or too awkward? • 3. Does the load have handles? • 4. Could the contents of this load shift? • 5. What objects are blocking the load?
Biomechanics in the field: General lifting techniques • The weight of the objects being lifted should be lowered as lift frequency, lift distance, and object size increase. • Proper Lifting Technique: • 1. Maintain a neutral spine • 2. Lift with lower body with a controlled speed • 3. Keep the load close to the pelvis. • 4. Avoid leaning side to side, or front to back
Importance of Stretching • Most jobs usually involve long hours each day and repetitive motions. • Stretching reduces the risks of injuries in the neck, arm, wrist, back, hand, and legs • For the millions of office employees it is vital that you take a 5 minute break every 30 minutes to avoid the possibility of injury at work.
Need other reasons to stretch? • Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. • Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls — and the related injuries — especially as you age. • Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries. • Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.
