- by Darrell Skinner, Physiotherapist
Remember what it was like to ride your kid sister’s bike, or slipping on someone else’s shoe? We instinctively know when something just doesn’t fit right. Industrial design has considered ergonomics for some time and most items that we use, from automobiles to furniture and clothing, to tools, are all based on the concept of “average” sized males or females. Items that are custom made for us are usually a pleasure to use or own. The concept of what is an “average” sized individual has also changed over time. The average height of a man aged 20-74 years increased from just over 5'8" in 1960 to 5'9½" in 2002, while the average height of a woman the same age increased from slightly over 5'3" 1960 to 5'4" in 2002, and the average weight for both sexes has increased dramatically during this time.
The science and study of physical ergonomics involves matching the specific person to their environment. Not only is it uncomfortable to use items that don’t fit, but it also predisposes an individual to increased mechanical stress on joints and muscles. Muscles and joints work most efficiently when used in their midrange of available movement. Awkward postures such as prolonged reaching or twisting eventually stresses the body beyond it reparative abilities and symptoms can develop. Sustained postures will reduce blood flow and increase tension in muscles of the neck or back leading to the development of persistent pain. Postural awareness and exercise is a key component of ergonomics and self-correcting one’s posture frequently throughout the day is helpful in minimizing strain. Workers in settings with poor ergonomics tend to be less productive and suffer more absenteeism, and employers are beginning to appreciate the benefit of ergonomic work site evaluations. Poor ergonomics are also thought to be a major contributing factor to the development of repetitive strain injuries, such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. Once these injuries are established they are often difficult to treat and manage. The ideal goal of ergonomics therefore is to help proactively identify risk factors and prevent injuries.
Ergonomics are often considered in context of the office or workplace but the principles can be also applied to activities of daily living or sports. Bikes, golf clubs, or tennis racquets are all examples of items that are most efficient when individually sized to the person. Tools around the house such as pruning shears for gardening or snow shovels can also be ergonomically designed. Physiotherapists are very knowledgeable in identifying potential ergonomic risk factors to prevent the development of injuries, and also consider ergonomic and postural factors once an injury has occurred. Ergonomic advice from a physiotherapist can help you in recovering from an injury and the prevention of injuries, increase productivity, and improve your golf game.
This is provided as general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice. Darrell Skinner is a registered physiotherapist and associate at Sun City Physiotherapy. He can be reached at Sun City Physiotherapy’s Glenmore clinic by calling 250.762.6313, or via email at Glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
