Ergonomics for Rehabilitation Professionals

Despite the apparently distinct differences between the disciplines of ergonomics and rehabilitation, they deal with the same issues, although at different ends of the spectrum. Keeping this in mind, Ergonomics for Rehabilitation Professionals explores their philosophies and goals, their parallel, divergent, and complementary aspects. It traces the origin of each field and examines the role of ergonomics in rehabilitation.

The book begins with a theoretical and conceptual review of ergonomics and its role in rehabilitation. It covers anthropometry and its impact on human biomechanics, allowing readers to grasp complex concepts, visualize what forces are acting where, and understand the consequence of this force. A chapter on tissue mechanics provides an understanding of the effect of the overall load on the tissues and a rationale for possible mechanisms of injury that can be used to design prevention and treatment methods. The book explores the relevant physiological issues, looking at the energy cost of activities and the data on strength and endurance. It discusses whole body biomechanics using an approach that supplies intuitive understanding of the effects of force, gravity, and physiological variables in an integrated manner.

Addressing theoretical underpinnings with scientific rigor, the book covers a broad range of topics, always emphasizing design in rehabilitation. The editor’s organization of the material develops concepts in concentric circles with increasing radii, sequencing ideas and exploring them from simple to complex. This selection of topics from two vast and seemingly diverse disciplines provides the tools for setting realistic goals and developing the strategies to achieve them.

General Concepts
Rehabilitation Ergonomics: Conceptual Basis, S.Kumar
Energy Cost Considerations in Common Disabilities: Scientific Basis and Clinical Perspectives, S.-J. Lin
Pain, G.L. Moseley and L. Jones
Aging and Ergonomics, L. Liu and R. Lederer
Disorders and Disabilities
Gait and Ergonomics: Normal and Pathological, S. Strike
Wheelchair Ambulation: Biomechanics and Ergonomic Considerations, L.H.V. van der Woude, S. de Groot, D.H.E.J. Veeger, S. van Drongelen, and T.W.J. Janssen
Seats, Seating, and Seat Selection: Implications to Pressure Ulcers, L.R. Solis and V.K. Mushahwar
Exercise Rehabilitation and Return to Work Following a Cardiac Event, R. G. Haennel and C. R. Tomczak
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremity and Ergonomic Interventions, A. Freivalds
Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremity: State of the Art, T. Jones and S. Kumar
Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck and Shoulder and Ergonomic Interventions, M.E. Maitland
Work-Related Low-Back Pain: Biomechanical Factors and Primary, J.H. van Dieën and A.J. van der Beek
Ergonomics of Selected Interventions
A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Exercise for Subacute Low Back Pain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, A. Fenety and K. Harman
Effective Utilization of Assistive Devices in the Workplace, D. de Jonge and L. Gibson
Current Designs in Assistive Technology, D.S. Bloswick and B. Howard
Enabling Design, P. Anderberg, E. Olander, B. Jönsson, and L. Sperling
Functional Capacity Evaluation, M. Davidson
Accommodation through Improved Design, S.F. Wiker
Index