CHATHAM UNIVERSITYMaster of Occupational Therapy Program

OTH 624 Biomechanics and Occupational Performance

Work Station Evaluation Lab

Take “before” photos.

Group member names: Emily Eckard, Ryan Najimian, Bianca Vicente

Date: May 31, 2016

Client(s) names: Bianca Vicente

Work Station

Describe problems with set up. Desk: low table made client flex too far

Could lead to back injury

Chair: Arm chair without arms being utilized Good height, back height, and width

Monitor: [Angled laptop] Viewing angle: Monitor is below eye levelViewing distance is good [18”]

Keyboard: LaptopToo far forward [13”], requires flexion of shoulder and requires elbows to extend from desired 90 degree angle

Mouse: TouchpadNot ergonomically designed, not support for hand

Phone: Texting in palmRequires neck flexion and sustained small thumb movement which over time may result in injury

Paperwork: Very uncommon

Shelving: None

Other: None

What ergonomic equipment is presently in use? Describe it.

None

[Mouse counts: ergonomically designed to fit in palm]

Sustained Postures Head, neck & trunk

Trunk is flexed at lumbar spine in 48 degreesNeck is extended at 30 degrees to compensate for trunk flexion in order to maintain upright position Chin protruding

Upper extremities

Elbow joints at 130 degreesShoulders elevated and protracted Shoulders flexed at 63 degreesWrists extended at 45 degrees

Lower extremities

Knees flexed at 140 degrees underneath bottom with ankles inverted at 80 degreesHips flexed in 75 degrees and externally rotated at 60 degreesPosterior pelvic tilt

Repetitive Motions Head, neck & trunk

Mostly static

Upper extremities

Typing: pressure on wrists and finger movements Clicking and movement on touchpad

Lower extremities

Wiggle feet but mostly static

Stressors Identified by your client

Symptom Frequency Intensity (0-10) Alleviation techniqueHeadache N/A

Eyestrain N/A

Neck ache Every 3 hrs 4 Neck massage and looking left/right

Upper-mid backache N/A

Lower back ache N/A

Shoulder discomfort Once an hour 5 Depress and elevate shoulders

Elbow/forearm discomfort

N/A

Wrist/hand discomfort

Every hour 5 Wrist flexion/ extension and circumduction.Finger extension/ flexion

Work Station Modifications In collaboration with your client rearrange existing equipment to improve the ergonomics

of your clients work station. Take “after” photos

Fixed position: sitting at desk in armed chairShoulders properly aligned, not protracted/retracted: 0 degree flexionElbows: 120 degrees of flexion. Although not perfect, best situation in environmentWrists: neutral positionHips: Flexed at 90, no longer externally rotatedKnees: Flexed at 80 degrees

Ankles: 110 degrees Neck: Neutral position at 0 degreesTrunk: 0 degree flexion with lumbar and thoracic support

Summary Statement

It is recommended that Bianca sits straight up and use back support to prevent future problems and alleviate current neck pain. Elevating and bringing her laptop closer will also reduce neck strain and encourage proper arm positioning. Bianca was advised to sit at a desk that brings her elbows to 90 degrees and keeps her wrists in the neutral position. Her computer should be at eye level with no strain to her neck. Sitting in her previous study position compromised the stability of her neck, back, and knee structures. After sitting in her new position, Bianca stated that she no longer felt fatigued and her neck no longer hurt.

Recommendations Mouse Desk [or lap desk if do not want to use desk] Desk chair Foot rest Wrist rest/cushion for typing on keyboard.

Use chair with back support Take short breaks every 30 minutes to relieve pressure