What is an ergonomic assessment?

What is an ergonomic assessment?

‍

The environment encompasses a substantial range of components that can affect human function and includes the individual’s home, community, and workplace. An ergonomic assessment in physical therapy is an evaluation of a person's work or home environment to assess and optimize its ergonomic setup. The goal of an ergonomic assessment is to identify factors that may contribute to discomfort, musculoskeletal strain, or injury and to recommend adjustments or modifications to improve ergonomics and promote overall well-being.

‍

A primary outcome of rehabilitation is for the patient to be fully functional in a former environment and lifestyle. To achieve this outcome, continuity of accessibility must exist within the individual’s environmental context. With full accessibility as a goal, examination of the environment must address the patient-environment relationship relative to accessibility, safety, usability, and function. The purposes of an ergonomic assessment are:

‍

1. Determine the degree of patient safety and level of function in the physical environment
2. Identify design barriers that may affect usability or compromise performance of customary tasks or activities
3. Make realistic recommendations regarding environmental accessibility and accommodations for each individual
4. Determine the need for adaptive equipment or assistive technology to support and promote function
5. Assist in preparing the patient and family/caregivers for the patient’s return to a former environment

‍

How does an ergonomic assessment work?

‍

Depending on the nature of the patient’s activity limitation or disability, data collection tools are used for examination of the home or work environment, which may include (1) interviews, (2) self-reports (check-list, questionnaires) and performance-based measures (observation) of function (3) measures of environmental impact on function, (4) visual depictions (photographs, video recordings) and dimensions of physical space (structural specifications) (5) viewing the environment from a remote site, and (6) on-site visits. A combination of two or more of these strategies may be warranted to generate all needed data.

‍

During an ergonomic assessment, a physical therapist or occupational therapist typically considers the following factors:

‍

1. Workspace setup: An investigation of the workspace setup is an important component of a comprehensive ergonomic assessment. It is used to explore the worker-job-environment relationship and to determine the feasibility of returning to a former job or if reasonable accommodations will provide the needed support to resume to work. For example, in a typical office setting the therapist evaluates the workstation or work area, including the desk, chair, computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other equipment. They assess the arrangement and positioning of these items to ensure proper alignment and reduce strain on the body during tasks.
2. Body mechanics/posture: The therapist observes the individual's body mechanics or posture during self-care, home management, work, community or leisure actions, tasks or activities.  They look for signs of poor posture, such as slouching, hunching over, or excessive reaching. Proper alignment and support of the spine, neck, and limbs are emphasized to minimize strain on muscles and joints.
3. Repetitive movements: The therapist identifies any repetitive movements or tasks that may contribute to overuse injuries. They suggest strategies to vary tasks, take breaks, or use ergonomic tools or equipment to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
4. Movement and stretching: The therapist provides recommendations for incorporating movement such as range of motion exercises and stretching exercises into the work routine. They also suggest other specific exercises that can be performed to relieve tension, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of muscle stiffness or discomfort.
5. Work habits and techniques: The therapist assesses work habits and techniques, such as lifting techniques, body mechanics during tasks, and proper use of equipment. They provide education and guidance on correct techniques to prevent injuries and optimize efficiency.
6. Other environmental factors: The therapist considers other environmental factors that may affect ergonomics, such as lighting, noise, temperature, and ventilation. They provide recommendations to create a comfortable and conducive work environment.

‍

Following the assessment, the data generated are used to suggest modifications to the environment, guide recommendations for adaptive and assistive equipment, and/or propose alternative approaches to performing a task or activity (e.g. improve safety, conserve energy) to promote optimum function.  This may also include recommending exercises such as  stretching,  or referring to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

‍

Who would benefit from an ergonomic assessment?

‍

Ergonomic assessments are an important factor in facilitating the patient’s transition to the home, work and community. These are beneficial for individuals experiencing home-related, and most especially work-related discomfort or those seeking to prevent work-related injuries. By optimizing the ergonomic setup, individuals can improve their comfort, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues, and enhance productivity and overall well-being.

‍

The important role of an ergonomic assessment in physical therapy

‍

An ergonomic assessment plays an important role in physical therapy by addressing the relationship between a person's work or home environment and their physical well-being. Here are some key roles an ergonomic assessment plays in physical therapy:

‍

1. Injury Prevention: An ergonomic assessment helps identify potential risk factors in the home and work environment that may contribute to musculoskeletal injuries or discomfort. By recognizing and addressing these factors, physical therapists can help individuals prevent or minimize the risk of developing injuries, specifically work-related injuries such as repetitive strain injuries, back pain, neck pain, and joint problems.
2. Rehabilitation and Recovery: For individuals who have already functional limitations due to sustained work-related injuries or musculoskeletal conditions, an ergonomic assessment assists in their rehabilitation and recovery process. By assessing and modifying the ergonomics of their work or home environment, physical therapists can help create an environment that supports their healing and prevents further aggravation of their condition.
3. Optimal Body Mechanics: An ergonomic assessment helps individuals understand and implement proper body mechanics and postural alignment during daily activities and work tasks. Physical therapists provide education and recommendations on how to maintain optimal body alignment, reduce stress on the musculoskeletal system, and use proper techniques while performing home-related or job-related activities. This can prevent strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, leading to improved overall body mechanics and reduced risk of injury.
4. Individualized Recommendations: Physical therapists tailor ergonomic recommendations based on an individual's specific needs, limitations, and job requirements. They consider factors such as the person's physical condition, work tasks, equipment setup, and environmental factors to provide personalized recommendations that are practical and feasible for the individual to implement.
5. Enhancing Performance and Productivity: An ergonomic assessment not only focuses on injury prevention but also aims to optimize performance and productivity. By improving the ergonomics of the work environment, physical therapists can help individuals work more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall job performance. This can positively impact job satisfaction and contribute to the individual's overall well-being.
6. Education and Empowerment: Through an ergonomic assessment, physical therapists educate individuals about the importance of proper ergonomics, body mechanics, and strategies to maintain a healthy and safe work environment. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to optimize their workspace and work practices, physical therapists enable them to take an active role in their own well-being and injury prevention.

‍

Overall, an ergonomic assessment in physical therapy plays a crucial role in promoting the health, safety, and well-being of individuals in their work or home environments. By addressing ergonomic factors and providing personalized recommendations, physical therapists aim to reduce the risk of injuries, enhance recovery, improve work performance, and ultimately improve the quality of life for their patients.

Trust PeteHealth for an ergonomic assessment

Looking for a physical therapist to provide an expert, tailored ergonomic assessment? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

‍

Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

‍