Occupational Biomechanics

Praise for previous editions of Occupational Biomechanics "This book is a valuable resource for any advanced ergonomist interested in physical ergonomics . . . provides valuable research information." -Ergonomics in Design "[This book] represents a distillation of the authors' combined years of experience in applying biomechanicsin various industries and work situations . . . I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of discipline, who is interested in understanding the many biomechanical factors which must be considered when trying to effectthe prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace." -Journal of Biomechanics "Impressive descriptions of biomechanical concepts and worksite considerations . . . based not only on mechanical and mathematical principles, but on solid anatomical and physiologic constructs . . . a very valuablereference source." -Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology THE DEFINITIVE TEXT ON DESIGNING FOR THE DEMANDS OF TODAY'S WORKPLACE With critical applications in manufacturing, transportation, defense, security, environmental safety and occupational health, and other industries, the field of occupational biomechanics is more central to industrial design than ever before. This latest edition of the popular and widely adopted Occupational Biomechanics provides the foundations and tools to assemble and evaluate biomechanical processes as they apply to today's changing industries, with emphasis on improving overall work efficiency and preventing work-related injuries. The book expertly weaves engineering and medical information from diverse sources and provides a coherent treatment of the biomechanical principles underlying the well-designed and ergonomically sound workplace. NEW TO THIS THOROUGHLY REVISED AND UPDATED FOURTH EDITION: * 150 new references and many new illustrations * Major changes within each chapter that reflect recent and significant findings * Recent research in musculoskeletal disorders * New measurement techniques for biomechanical parameters and numerous international initiatives on the subject Presented in an easy-to-understand manner and supported by over 200 illustrations and numerous examples, Occupational Biomechanics, Fourth Edition remains the premier one-stop reference for students and professionals in the areas of industrial engineering, product and process design, medicine, and occupational health and safety.

Meaningful Motion covers biomechanical and motor control principles and provides examples that address combining the principles of kinesiology with clinical occupational therapy practice. The text also has case studies and laboratory exercises specifically designed for occupational therapy students. The focus is on the concepts of kinesiology and excludes some of the mathematics that is used by biomechanists. Written by a kinesiologist who is also an occupational therapist, the text is tailored to the needs of the undergraduate and the practicing occupational therapist. Principles of kinesiology are combined with clinical practice. Includes case studies and laboratory exercises that have been specifically designed for occupational therapists. Focuses on concepts used in day-to-day practice. Discusses environments in which therapists work, including balance training, ergonomics, and leisure

Every year workers' low-back, hand, and arm problems lead to time away from jobs and reduce the nation's economic productivity. The connection of these problems to workplace activities-from carrying boxes to lifting patients to pounding computer keyboards-is the subject of major disagreements among workers, employers, advocacy groups, and researchers. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace examines the scientific basis for connecting musculoskeletal disorders with the workplace, considering people, job tasks, and work environments. A multidisciplinary panel draws conclusions about the likelihood of causal links and the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The panel also offers recommendations for what actions can be considered on the basis of current information and for closing information gaps. This book presents the latest information on the prevalence, incidence, and costs of musculoskeletal disorders and identifies factors that influence injury reporting. It reviews the broad scope of evidence: epidemiological studies of physical and psychosocial variables, basic biology, biomechanics, and physical and behavioral responses to stress. Given the magnitude of the problem-approximately 1 million people miss some work each year-and the current trends in workplace practices, this volume will be a must for advocates for workplace health, policy makers, employers, employees, medical professionals, engineers, lawyers, and labor officials.

Occupational Biomechanics, Fifth Edition provides the foundations and tools to assemble and evaluate biomechanical processes. It describes the mechanical side of ergonomics. This revision of a well-established graduate-level text enables the book to stay current with research and development in occupational biomechanics. All chapters are updated to reflect recent data (anthropometry for example). New methods in biomechanics, simulation, movement recording, job analysis, hand activity, and muscle fatigue have been inserted. Rarely used job analysis methods (example: posture targeting) are removed and replaced by more contemporary methods (example: Hand Activity Level). Since worker selection is no longer a predominant issue, this part has been removed and the section on administrative controls is developed further. Review questions are updated and/or expanded.

Safety or comfort? Can you truly have one without the other? Is it feasible to have both? Although by no means the only factor, a deep understanding of biomechanics plays a leading role in the design of work and workplaces that are both pain and injury free. Standing firmly on the foundation built by the previous edition, the second edition of Biom

Authored by experts of international renown, the new edition of The Biomechanics of Back Pain forms a bridge between the latest research and the effective clinical management of patients with back problems. Now published for the first time in full colour, the volume presents a unique synthesis of the latest research findings and explains its recent changes in emphasis - from trying to understand and reverse age-related spinal degeneration to addressing the soft tissue causes of pain. New chapters are devoted to Sensorimotor Control, and Cervical Spine Anatomy and Biomechanics, while a bonus website contains useful PowerPoint presentations, which include seminars entitled Back Pain and Forces on the Spine as well as an overview of the Psychosocial Flags Framework. Clinically orientated and highly practical throughout, The Biomechanics of Back Pain has become the standard platform by which readers keep abreast of research and developments in the field and is essential for all clinicians involved in the care and treatment of patients with back pain, as well as for those studying its causes and methods of prevention. Established authoritative text for clinicians, lecturers, researchers and those working in the medico-legal arena Emphasizes the latest perspectives in research and shows how it is now leading to advances in clinical methodology Provides an overview of the best original research – including more than 350 new references – to provide researchers with the latest and most important information relating to back pain Contains over 150 full-colour line artworks and more than 60 photographs Additional chapters devoted to Sensorimotor Control, and Cervical Spine Anatomy and Biomechanics Includes more than 350 new references Now published in full colour with improved page design and navigation Bonus website containing useful PowerPoint presentations, which include seminars entitled Back Pain and Forces on the Spine as well as an overview of the Psychosocial Flags Framework

In the fifteen years since the publication of Occupational Ergonomics: Theory and Applications significant advances have been made in this field. These advances include understanding the impact of ageing and obesity on workplace, the role of ergonomics in promoting healthy workplaces and healthy life styles, the role of ergonomic science in the design of consumer products, and much more. The caliber of information and the simple, practical ergonomics solutions in the second edition of this groundbreaking resource, though, haven’t changed. See What’s New in the Second Edition: Enhanced coverage of ergonomics in the international arena Emerging topics such as Healthcare Ergonomics and economics of ergonomics Coverage of disability management and psychosocial rehabilitation aspects of workplace and its ergonomics implication Current ergonomics solutions from "research to practice" Synergy of healthy workplaces with healthy lifestyles Impact of physical agents on worker health/safety and its control Additional problems with solutions in the appendix The book covers the fundamentals of ergonomics and the practical application of those fundamentals in solving ergonomic problems. The scope is such that it can be used as a reference for graduate students in the health sciences, engineering, technology and business as well as professional practitioners of these disciplines. Also, it can be used as a senior level undergraduate textbook, with solved problems, case studies, and exercises included in several chapters. The book blends medical and engineering applications to solve musculoskeletal, safety, and health problems in a variety of traditional and emerging industries ranging from the office to the operating room to operations engineering.