Ergonomics for Daily Life

Welcome to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal 1 Project. This space was created by and for the students at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School in the United States. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editors - Brooke Coleman, Nuriena Vang, and Sommern Willie User Name

Top Contributors - Nuriena Vang, Sommern Willie, Kim Jackson, Brooke Coleman, Alicia Fernandes, Olajumoke Ogunleye and Cindy John-Chu  

Introduction

Ergonomics are an important factor when establishing an environment that provides optimal productivity. Three types of ergonomics include cognitive, organizational, and physical. Cognitive ergonomics is centered around the mental aspect that plays a role in ergonomics. Organizational ergonomics pertains to the importance of having a sound structure within a social technical system. This includes organizational structures, policies, and processes. Physical ergonomics is geared towards ergonomics used in the workplace and deals with musculoskeletal disorders possibly associated with the workplace. Understanding the importance of physical ergonomics contributes to optimizing your approach to day-to-day operations.  

Physical Ergonomics

This type of ergonomics involves evaluating the human body through its anatomy, physiology, and anthropometry to appreciate structure, motion, function, and performance. These factors contribute to one's body mechanics and posture, in which both can be evaluated and addressed by a physical therapist.

A pertinent question to ask in the application of physical ergonomics…What is the importance of applying physical ergonomics in daily life?

Habits of postural stress, poor posture, body mechanics, and/or even clothing choices over a period of time may lead to musculoskeletal injuries/disorders (MSK disorders). A few common examples of MSK disorders caused by poor habits in the workplace include low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, and/or shoulder stiffness.A concept to consider and appreciate is that the human body does not only move primarily in the sagittal and frontal plane to complete daily activities, but also in the transverse and scaption plane. For example, a cashier might coordinate a slight twist of their trunk to grab groceries to scan then bag the items while a stocker might twist their trunk and move in the scaption plane to restock pasta boxes on a shelf. Setting the human body in a position that optimizes movement would be critical to reduce the chances of developing MSK disorders. Below are a few examples of daily activities with consequences that may lead to MSK disorders and how we can refine those activities.

Ergonomics of Daily Life

Driving:

Technique to improve: adjust mirrors, lift seat at the right height, backrest adjustment, headrest position.

Consequences: poor vibration attenuation, poor postural support leading to hunching, increased stress and headaches.

Bathroom hygiene:  

Technique: position toiletry items where they are easily accessible, check the lighting in the bathroom, adjust height of the sinks.

Consequences: neck & back pain, falls / injuries.

Typing and computer work:

Technique: ergonomic keyboard, standing desk, proper postural orientation, and taking breaks.

Consequences: neck pain, tension & stress, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Phone:

Technique: neutral spine alignment, limiting time and messaging, increasing voice commands, take persistent rest breaks, avoid holding the phone below chest height.

Consequences: neck pain and ache, tension & stress, aching in the fingers, visual strain and headaches.

References

see adding references tutorial.