Occupational Therapy 

Ergonomics and Occupational Therapy

ergonomics and occupational therapy, occupational therapy and ergonomics, ergonomics and OT, OT and ergonomics,

Ergonomics in occupational therapy refers to the applied science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people interact safely and effectively.


Watch My Free On-Demand Webinar: 9 Admin Tasks to Automate In Your Private Practice


Ergonomics includes various areas, such as:
  • Physical ergonomics: Body posture, musculoskeletal health, and physical comfort;

  • Cognitive ergonomics: Mental workload, attention, and decision-making;

  • Organizational ergonomics: Team work, communication and work system design.

In occupational therapy and ergonomics, the overarching goal is to promote health, safety, and well-being. This can be done by modifying the environment, workplaces, workstations, setting protocols and providing education to prevent injuries and to improve productivity, and utilizing tools and task analysis, to meet the unique and individual needs of clients.



What are the ergonomic principles of OT?

Occupational therapy ergonomics are guided by eight principles that are expanded on below.

  • Maintain neutral position: Refers to having a neutral and balanced alignment of muscles and joints while in different positions such as sitting or standing to minimize the stress and impact of the muscles and joints for efficiency. Muscles that are put under too much mechanical stress at the same time as they are stretched become more susceptible to injury.
    • Application: Maintaining a neutral grip on a power tool. Do not use an awkward position such as holding a power tool with a deviated wrist.

  • Reduce excessive force: Minimizing the amount of force required to complete a task
    • Application: Use mechanical assists, counterbalance systems, adjustable height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools to reduce work effort and muscle exertion.

  • Reduce repetitive motions (Frequency): Musculoskeletal disorders can form with high task repetition when combined with high force and/or awkward postures.
    • Application: Use automated tools such as adjustable workstations/desks, powered tools, and equipment

  • Work in the power zone: Refers to maintaining neutral position and minimizing extended and overhead reaches.
    • Application: Carry objects close to body vs extended outward

  • Minimize static load: Reduce the amount of time working in one position
    • Application: Take breaks, stretch, and move your body

  • Minimize contact stress: Continuous rubbing or contact between sharp or hard surfaces/objects and sensitive body tissue such as fingers, palms, thighs and feet can result in contact stress
    • Application: Make sure the workstation is ergonomically safe so there is adequate space for wrists when working with computers, knees, and feet when sitting at a desk.

  • Comfortable environment: Ensure adequate temperature, lighting, and noise control are provided in the workplace
    • Application: Utilize adjustable lighting, glare protection, adequate thermostat usage, and noise control

  • Vibration: Heavy machinery or utility vehicle operators may experience whole-body vibration. Additionally, hand-arm vibration occurs in workers using impact tools or those which vibrate such as drills, hammers or rattle guns.
    • Application: Break up the task, utilize personal protective equipment, modify the task to smaller and less strenuous parts.


Start 30-day Free Trial and explore TheraPlatform. HIPAA Compliant Video and Practice Management Software for Therapists.

Free Trial

Occupational therapy assessment and intervention in ergonomics

Occupational therapy assessment and intervention in ergonomics involves an assessment and observation of the environment, task analysis with the individual in the environment(s) performing various tasks, physical assessment of the individual, and background information via an interview with the individual. Intervention strategies in ergonomics may include environmental modifications such as lighting to reduce eye strain and fatigue, temperature and noise control, workstation modifications which may include adjustable desks and chairs, utilizing ergonomic office equipment such as organizers, keyboards, and mice, education on proper body mechanics, proper posture, proper lifting mechanics, and reinforcing taking breaks, stretching, and movement.

Ergonomics in specific occupational settings
  • Office ergonomics: Incorporate arranging the workspace and environment to increase workflow and productivity. This may include choosing an ergonomically supportive chair that allows for the 90-90-90 rule, where elbows are at 90 degrees, trunk is upright, hips are at 90 degrees, knees are at 90 degrees with feet flat on the floor. If your feet do not reach the floor, use a footrest or small stool so feet are neutral. Choosing a desk that allows for enough space for legs and to move around, to be able to organize materials, and to have wrists resting on a pad to minimize contact stress is also vital. Office ergonomics also includes monitor placement. Computer monitors should be placed straight in front of you, directly behind your keyboard, about an arm's length away from your face with the top of screen at or slightly below eye level.

  • Industrial ergonomics: Incorporates workplace safety specifically to prevent constant or repetitive movements, prevention of overhead reaching, prolonged or static postures, and awkward postures, reducing excessive force, heavy lifting, and vibration. Intervention methods may include modifying tools, easing forces required to complete a task, workplace safety access, providing education and training to maintain appropriate body mechanics.

  • Healthcare ergonomics: Healthcare ergonomics involves utilizing proper body mechanics, education on patient handling, utilizing ergonomic equipment as deemed necessary such as:
    • Mechanical lift equipment
    • Shower chairs
    • Lateral transfer devices
    • Sliding boards
    • Gait belts with handles
    • Wheelchairs, and repositioning devices

Ergonomics and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

Ergonomics related to ADLs and self-care primarily involve safety and mobility within the home environment. This may include lighting in all rooms, bathroom accessibility and safety, kitchen ergonomics including ergonomic kitchen tools, height of countertops, accessibility to drawers and shelves, bedroom ergonomics including appropriate pillows and mattress, accessibility to bed, light switches, and nightstands.

Ergonomics and assistive technology

Ergonomics and assistive technology go hand-in-hand, which allow for increased accessibility, mobility, and independence for individuals. Assessing and recommending assistive devices to address ergonomic challenges in various contexts begins with a comprehensive assessment and observation of the environment, therapists utilizing task analysis, and the individual performing activities in various contexts such as home, work, and community settings.

The therapist would identify ergonomic challenges, research, and then select appropriate assistive devices based on various factors including the client’s preferences, environmental considerations and barriers, and usability. The integration of assistive technology and adaptive equipment can be used to support ergonomic position and task performance via supportive backrests, arm supports, supportive cushions, maintaining proper body alignment, utilizing adaptive utensils for feeding and adaptive aids for self-care tasks such as a shoehorn, reacher, sock-aids, and/or dressing stick. With utilizing ergonomic principles and assistive technology, therapists can truly develop a client-centered approach to intervention.

Ergonomics education and training

An integral aspect of ergonomics and assistive technology is providing education to clients, caregivers, and employers. Developing and delivering workshops, seminars, and training programs to organizations and communities is an effective method to provide education on ergonomics. Understanding the audience, collaborating with credentialed professionals, customizing tailored educational material based on environments, settings, and audience, role-playing, and providing real life Applications are key for effective understanding and utilization of ergonomic principles.

Ergonomics in occupational therapy involves a comprehensive evaluation, observation of the individual, and the environment. The goal of therapists is to promote health, safety, and well-being all while addressing the unique needs of the individual in diverse settings. It is through comprehensive assessments, utilizing evidence-based practice, collaboration with other organizations and interdisciplinary teams, providing educational ergonomic information, and a commitment to integrating ergonomic principles that allows for the overall improved quality of life and independence of individuals.




Resources

TheraPlatform is an all-in-one EHR, practice management, and teletherapy software built for therapists to help them save time on admin tasks. It offers a 30-day risk-free trial with no credit card required and supports different industries and sizes of practices, including occupational therapists in group and solo practices.


More resources


Free video classes


References

  1. Admin. (2023, August 10). The connection between occupational therapy and ergonomics: Enhancing well-being and productivity - living well balanced. Living Well Balanced - Living Well Balanced. https://wellbalancedchiropractic.com/the-connection-between-occupational-therapy-and-ergonomics-enhancing-well-being-and-productivity
  2. Ergonomic principles. Therapy Specialists Inc. https://www.therapy-specialists.com/Work-Activities/Ergonomic-Principles/a~1447/article.html
  3. Hospital ergonomics. Environment, Health and Safety. (2022, November 29). https://ehs.unc.edu/topics/ergonomics/hospital-ergonomics
  4. Loesche, S. (2022, August 3). Expanding ergonomic concepts across areas of Occupation. http://OccupationalTherapy.com, https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/expanding-ergonomic-concepts-across-areas-5527
  5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, May 25). Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169
  6. Middlesworth, M., & About Mark MiddlesworthMark Middlesworth is the founder of ErgoPlus. (1970, May 3). Software. ErgoPlus. https://ergo-plus.com/fundamental-ergonomic-principles

Practice Management, EHR/EMR and Teletherapy Platform

Exclusive therapy apps and games

Start 30 Day FREE TRIAL
Therapy Games Teletherapy Therapy Notes Telepractice Marketing For Therapists Starting a Private Practice Resources For Therapists Behavioral Health Therapy Billing Case Studies Telehealth Physical Therapy CPT Codes ICD 10 Codes Speech Therapy ICD 10 Codes Physical Therapy ICD 10 Codes Mental Health Mental Health Assessments CPT Codes Mental Health Practice Management Types Of Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Therapy Intake Forms Therapy Treatment Plans Therapy Goals ICD 10 Codes Occupational Therapy

Subscribe to our newsletter