Research > Facilities > Orthopaedic Ergonomics Laboratory
Mission Statement
The laboratory's goal is to improve the physical interaction
between workers, their work, and the work environment through the study of the
musculoskeletal system's response to work activities. In so doing our focus
continues to be the study of body's biomechanical response to a variety of occupational
tasks, potential workplace interventions, and the development of models predictive
of back injury development and recovery. This is achieved through the measurement of body movements, joint loads, and
muscle recruitment patterns as different types of activities are performed.
While much of the work relates to furthering our understanding of how to better
optimize the interface between people and their work environments, the same
measurement capabilities and techniques are applicable to addressing sports
biomechanics research questions.
Laboratory Description
The laboratory consists of approximately 600 ft2 of
research space and the supporting computer facilities. The laboratory
is equipped with 6 degree of freedom motion measurement systems, force platforms
for obtaining ground reaction forces, strain gauges for measuring the forces
exerted as activities are performed, and surface electromyographic (EMG) recording
equipment.
Current Research
The LiftTrainer Study
The LiftTrainer is a behaviorally oriented
approach to training lifting techniques. By using a combination of biofeedback,
biomechanical analysis tools, and one on one coaching, the LiftTrainer protocol
guide individuals towards lifting behaviors that lower the forward bending,
lateral bending, and twisting moments ("stresses") acting on the spine
while maintaining desired productively levels.
Nursing Bed Transfers
Currently, we are working to measure the stresses exerted
on the nurse's spine during patient transfers from hospital bed to wheelchair.
Without reengineering the task itself, we hope additionally to train current
nursing students to perform this routine task in a way that mimimizes their
own risk of back injuries.
Low Back Disorder Risk In Manufacturing
Environments
Our efforts with the United Auto Workers and General Motors
have been focused on evaluating the recovery process from occupationally
related low back disorders. In so doing we have evaluated measures of health
outcomes
and alternative approaches to classifying job low back disorder risk. We
are currently performing a longitudinal study of over 300 employees who have
experienced
work-related back injury.
Trunk Muscle Activation & Coactivation:
The trunk response to asymmetric loading
Understanding how the co-contraction of the trunk muscles
changes as a function of posture, and variations in the direction and magnitude
of applied bending moments is necessary when attempting to quantify and understand
the spine loading that occurs during asymmetric lifting activities.
Can Lifting Belts Help
Prevent Back Injury?
We have tested several hypotheses regarding the biomechanical
effectiveness of lifting belts. These include changes in psychophysically
determined lifting strength, trunk motions, and trunk stiffness during pulling
tasks and
sudden loading events.
Applied Ergonomics
Studies have been performed looking into the ergonomic
issues encountered in the performance of emergency rescue tasks, the use
of handtools in underground mines, and modifications in beverage delivery
processes.
Lifting Biomechanics
We have performed studies aimed at furthering our understanding
of the loads on the spine during lifting and how they change with variations
of the lifting tasks performed.
Sudden Loading
The body's response to a sudden loading event, especially
when unanticipated, may be key to understanding the injury initiation process
and how such injuries can be prevented.
Contact Information
Steve Lavender, Ph.D., CPE
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics
Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Director, Orthopaedic Ergonomics Laboratory
Phone: 614-292-9980
