Biomechanics in Ergonomics


Book Description

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




Occupational Biomechanics


Book Description

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.




Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace


Book Description

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.




Anthropometry and Biomechanics


Book Description

Assessment of the physical dimensions of the human body and application of this knowledge to the design of tools, equip ment, and work are certainly among the oldest arts and sciences. It would be an easy task if all anthropometric dimensions, of all people, would follow a general rule. Thus, philosophers and artists embedded their ideas about the most aesthetic proportions into ideal schemes of perfect proportions. "Golden sections" were developed in ancient India, China, Egypt, and Greece, and more recently by Leonardo DaVinci, or Albrecht Durer. However, such canons are fictive since actual human dimensions and proportions vary greatly among individuals. The different physical appearances often have been associated with mental, physiological and behavioral characteristics of the individuals. Hypocrates (about 460-377 BC) taught that there are four temperaments (actually, body fluids) represented by four body types. The psychiatrist Ernst Kretchmer (1888-1964) proposed that three typical somatotypes (pyknic, athletic, aesthenic) could reflect human character traits. Since the 1940's, W. H. Sheldon and his coworkers devised a system of three body physiques (endo-, meso-, ectomorphic). The classification was originally qualitative, and only recently has been developed to include actual measurements.




Biomechanics in Ergonomics


Book Description

Two important goals of ergonomics are the comfort, and the health and safety of workers. In many ways these are mutually compatible, for where health and safety is jeopardized, the discomfort results. Most work-related injuries can be viewed as biochemical damage to a tissue or organ; ultimately all injuries are sustained by tissues. Writte




The Biomechanical Basis of Ergonomics Anatomy Applied to the Design of Work Situations


Book Description

Shows how to apply ergonomics to manufacturing and service industries for increased productivity and reduced on-the-job hazards. Professionals concerned with the health, welfare, and performance of workers will learn the mechanics of the body for a priori design of work situations without having to resort to lengthy experimentation. This ``human engineering'' concept helps prevent occupational accidents, diseases and low levels of productivity which are often caused by the inadvertent neglect of basic biomechanical principles in the design of equipment or workplace layout.




Biomechanics For Dummies


Book Description

A thorough explanation of the tenets of biomechanics At once a basic and applied science, biomechanics focuses on the mechanical cause-effect relationships that determine the motions of living organisms. Biomechanics for Dummies examines the relationship between biological and mechanical worlds. It clarifies a vital topic for students of biomechanics who work in a variety of fields, including biological sciences, exercise and sports science, health sciences, ergonomics and human factors, and engineering and applied science. Following the path of a traditional introductory course, Biomechanics for Dummies covers the terminology and fundamentals of biomechanics, bone, joint, and muscle composition and function, motion analysis and control, kinematics and kinetics, fluid mechanics, stress and strain, applications of biomechanics, and black and white medical illustrations. Offers insights and expertise in biomechanics to provide an easy-to-follow, jargon-free guide to the subject Provides students who major in kinesiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physical education, nutritional science, and many other subjects with a basic knowledge of biomechanics Students and self-motivated learners interested in biological, applied, exercise, sports, and health sciences should not be without this accessible guide to the fundamentals.




Manual Materials Handling


Book Description

A thorough explanation of the quantifying of manual lifting. The failure to match strength to task costs billions of dollars each year in medical and compensation payments. Ayoub and Mital argue forcefully for pre-employment testing of manual workers. They cover variables in materials handling tasks, mechanics of lifting, pulling and pushing, carrying and supporting loads, proper training, and suitable rest periods. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR




Routledge Handbook of Ergonomics in Sport and Exercise


Book Description

Ergonomics is concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their work. With an increasing number of people becoming conscious about their health and participating in sport or physical activity, ergonomics has become an increasingly prominent concern within the sport and exercise sciences. From the design of footwear and artificial playing surfaces, to studies of proprioception by obese children , the way in which people interact with their environment - designed and natural – has important implications for performance sport and for the design of safe and beneficial forms of physical activity. The Routledge Handbook of Ergonomics in Sport and Exercise is the first book to offer a comprehensive and in-depth survey of cutting-edge scientific research into ergonomics in sport and exercise. Written by world-leading international scientists and researchers, the book explores key topics such as: Musculoskeletal adaptation to sports and exercise Environmental factors of injury and fatigue Load weight and performance Ergonomics in adapted sports and exercise Measurement in sports and exercise Modeling and simulation in ergonomics design Influence of playing surface, footwear and equipment design Bridging the gap between fundamental scientific research in sport and exercise and applications in sport and exercise contexts, this is an important reference for all advanced students, researchers and professionals working in sport and exercise science, kinesiology, sports technology, sports engineering, ergonomics, and product design.




Fundamentals of Biomechanics


Book Description

Fundamentals of Biomechanics introduces the exciting world of how human movement is created and how it can be improved. Teachers, coaches and physical therapists all use biomechanics to help people improve movement and decrease the risk of injury. The book presents a comprehensive review of the major concepts of biomechanics and summarizes them in nine principles of biomechanics. Fundamentals of Biomechanics concludes by showing how these principles can be used by movement professionals to improve human movement. Specific case studies are presented in physical education, coaching, strength and conditioning, and sports medicine.