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Open Access Articles

May 10, 2010

Study: Higher Body Weight Associated with Healthier Lumbar Discs

Contrary to popular opinion, an award winning Finnish investigation challenges the concept that increased compressive force due to higher body weight predisposes an individual to lumbar degenerative disc disease. In a study of monozygotic twins, the twin with a higher body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) was statically more likely to have healthier lumbar discs.
April 27, 2010

Ergonomics Roundup: Cognitive Ergonomics; Healthcare Ergonomics; Human Systems Integration

A concise roundup of ergonomics topics in the news, including cognitive ergonomics and multi-tasking, electronic medical records systems, a Safe Practices for Better Healthcare report, the 10 commandments of ultrasound ergonomics, patient handling, ergonomics and the Upper Big Branch mining disaster, a new long-term study investigating health effects of mobile phone emissions.
April 20, 2010

3 Step Process to Reduce Caregiver Error in the Selection of Safe Patient Handling Equipment

One of the most common problems in safe patient handling programs is the inconsistent or incorrect selection of safe patient handling equipment by caregivers. Jill Kelby, PT, CEA discusses the key reasons for "error" in the selection of safe patient handling equipment and recommends a 3 step process to minimize the risk of harm and injury to the patient and/or caregiver.
April 7, 2010

Spanish MSD Study Highlights Challenges in Ergonomics Research

A post-hoc analysis of the 5th Spanish National Survey highlights challenges researchers face when attempting to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships between work-related risk factors, tasks and injuries. The study found statistically significant relationships between duration of exposure to certain tasks and MSDs, but did it further our understanding, and therefore our ability to intervene?
May 10, 2010

Study: Higher Body Weight Associated with Healthier Lumbar Discs

Contrary to popular opinion, an award winning Finnish investigation challenges the concept that increased compressive force due to higher body weight predisposes an individual to lumbar degenerative disc disease. In a study of monozygotic twins, the twin with a higher body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) was statically more likely to have healthier lumbar discs.
April 27, 2010

Ergonomics Roundup: Cognitive Ergonomics; Healthcare Ergonomics; Human Systems Integration

A concise roundup of ergonomics topics in the news, including cognitive ergonomics and multi-tasking, electronic medical records systems, a Safe Practices for Better Healthcare report, the 10 commandments of ultrasound ergonomics, patient handling, ergonomics and the Upper Big Branch mining disaster, a new long-term study investigating health effects of mobile phone emissions.
April 20, 2010

3 Step Process to Reduce Caregiver Error in the Selection of Safe Patient Handling Equipment

One of the most common problems in safe patient handling programs is the inconsistent or incorrect selection of safe patient handling equipment by caregivers. Jill Kelby, PT, CEA discusses the key reasons for "error" in the selection of safe patient handling equipment and recommends a 3 step process to minimize the risk of harm and injury to the patient and/or caregiver.
April 7, 2010

Spanish MSD Study Highlights Challenges in Ergonomics Research

A post-hoc analysis of the 5th Spanish National Survey highlights challenges researchers face when attempting to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships between work-related risk factors, tasks and injuries. The study found statistically significant relationships between duration of exposure to certain tasks and MSDs, but did it further our understanding, and therefore our ability to intervene?