Google's HTC Dream phone -- That's it?

Review of design decisions on the Dream Phone ...

"It's been a little more than a year since Google Android was announced and rumors of a little device called the HTC Dream started to leak onto the Web.

We think it's fair to say that the Dream stirred up as much anticipation and hype as the Apple iPhone, not only because it would be the first smartphone to run Google's mobile platform but also because of the potential to overtake Apple's darling.

(Hey, like it or not, the iPhone set a new bar for handset design and convergence, and serves as a sort of benchmark for touch-screen smartphones these days.)

On September 23, the world was officially introduced to the HTC Dream, now known as the T-Mobile G1, and the initial reaction ranged from "That's it?" to "I have to have it!"

Unfortunately, we fell more into the "That's it?" camp. The G1 definitely offers some functionality the original iPhone and the current iPhone 3G do not, including copy-and-paste capabilities, multimedia messaging, a better camera, and Google Street View.

However, there are some serious design flaws and at this time, the G1 does not support stereo Bluetooth, Microsoft Exchange, or video recording. While these features may (and probably will be) added in the future, we feel like HTC, Google, and T-Mobile had the opportunity to really come out swinging and raise the bar, but didn't take full advantage of the opportunity.

Despite these complaints, we did come away impressed with the Google Android operating system. There's huge potential for the G1 (and any Android devices after it) to become powerful minicomputers as developers create more applications for the open platform. Right now, there are only about 35 apps in the store, so we feel the G1 is a bit limited.

... Design

The T-Mobile G1 is manufactured by HTC and has a similar look and feel to the company's other Pocket PC smartphones, such as the T-Mobile Wing and the Sprint Mogul. Measuring 4.6 inches tall by 2.1 inches wide by 0.6 inch deep and weighing 5.6 ounces, the G1 is definitely not the sleekest device, and we certainly wouldn't call it sexy.

Instead, the words "interesting" and "weird" come to mind. This is mostly because the bottom section of the phone juts out at a slight angle. We asked HTC about this design decision but have yet to hear from them as of press time. Presumably, it's to get the phone's speaker closer to your mouth, which isn't a bad thing but consequently, it affects the ergonomics of the keyboard, which we'll touch on later. In a battle of pure looks, the iPhone would win hands down."    (Continued via CNN.com, Bonnie Cha and Nicole Lee)    [Ergonomics Resources]

T-Mobile G1

Tips for Relieving Hand Joint Pain

The American Society of Hand Therapists provides tips for relieving joint stress on the hands while performing daily activities. Those who have pain while typing on the computer may also find these tips helpful. Here are some excerpts from their article "Getting the Upper Hand with Arthritis: Hand Care Tips"

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans live with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis symptoms limit everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and cooking for more than 7 million Americans. Everyday activities, such as preparing a meal, woodworking, carrying grocery bags, or using your computer, can damage your joints over time. Joint protection techniques can help reduce pain, stress, and inflammation of your joints.

Give your Hands a Break
If you have pain during an activity, stop the activity. Pain is one of the best ways your body has of letting you know that you are causing tissue damage. So listen to and respect your pain.

Protect the small joints of your hands and avoid carrying several plastic grocery bags at once to save time. Use paper bags, carry them one at a time, and hold them at the bottom instead of using the handles.

If writing is painful, try using a thick, rubber grip pen with a gel tip or roller ball to decrease the amount of pressure used.

Remember to stretch and take rest breaks every 15 minutes during repetitive or prolonged activities such as needlework, painting, sewing, knitting and crocheting, hammering, and filing.

Figure out which activities aggravate your symptoms and avoid or modify them – don’t be afraid to ask others for help.

Use pump shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste – use the palm of your hand to pump instead of squeezing the container.

Use enlarged grips on every day equipment or tools to reduce strain on your joints, examples include potato peelers, gardening tools, tooth brushes, hair brushes, or build up the handle with foam.

Keep scissors and knives sharp to minimize your own effort.
Always use two hands when lifting heavy objects. A gallon of milk weighs about eight pounds and lifting it with only your fingertips places excessive stress on your joints."    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomics Helps Increase ROI

A case for economical ergonomics ...

"An increase in return on investment during a time of economic downturn? What is the answer to this? It seems to be a joke, but in actuality is very realistic. The answer is implementation of ergonomic devices in the workplace. The idea behind implementation of ergonomic devices is that each serves as a tool to help employees feel more comfortable and free of pain as they move throughout the day in their workspace. The comfort of employees leads to a boost in employees’ overall morale and therefore, leads to increase in productivity. In this sense, the analogy can be made that the employer’s are investing in their employees, which they will see even greater positive returns in the future by implementation of ergonomic devices.

Many offices have found this statement to be true and have bought ergonomic instruments. Now, there is a new product in this field. It is a keyboard. The product is known as the Ergo 2.0 Keyboard. It diminishes the qualms of previous ergonomic keyboards in several ways. For example, it was designed to be customized by the employee who is using it at any given time. Therefore, as the worker changes, the keyboard is able to adapt to fit that person’s needs. Also, unlike older models of ergonomic keyboards, it is relatively easier to install.

These are only a few features of the Ergo 2.0 Keyboard. The important thing to know is that there are more options available. The field of ergonomics is constantly growing, and with time we all hope to see our return on investments to continually increase!"    (Continued via Ergo4Me)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Computer Ergonomics and the Office of the Future - Part 4

Parts 1 to 3 previously published ...

"In Part 4 we discuss the idea of designs that are similar for home and office.

Architectural Designs Intersecting with Home Life

I believe that there will be a "blending" of the home and work office. There is an increased need for "home" offices to be set up in a similar fashion to the office for telecommuters and those who work at home. There are many who regularly correspond with people on other continents and they are going to require a setup to enhance this.

I see home offices that mimic the office to make it more comfortable and convenient to work from home. People will be more open to spending their own money on higher quality items such as ergo chairs (not the kind at the office superstore!), keyboards, mice, etc. for themselves so they can work with increased comfort and higher levels of productivity.

Today they spend money on expensive gadgets for their home and nice cars and soon they will realize that it just makes sense to spend money to work in comfort.

The "office" setup will be designed to be homier. There is a need for workers to feel good and be inspired in their surroundings. I see chairs that workers can rest in, read and have phone conversations in...in addition to their task chair.

Whether at home or office the design must offer the feeling of spaciousness, perhaps with a small fountain, music, spring water fountain, software that alerts the worker to take a break and rest and rest their body.

Many of the offices that I have consulted in have been downright depressing with plain white walls, old carpet, and hospital like hallways.

In order for people to be more productive (and that is what we are really talking about here- Increased Productivity for increased profits) they must be able to work in comfort and in surroundings that help spur their creativity and energy instead of take-away from it.

I see arm bikes at the end of every hall so that people can walk away from their computer after sitting for a specific length of time or to just let their mind work in the background on a challenge they have been having. The mind has a way of finding solutions when it is at rest.

The regular use arm bikes will offer the additional advantage of "inner office" (body) exercise increasing the oxygen and blood flow to all parts of the body affected by computer use.

Aching wrists, back and shoulders need regular rest from computer work and the increased oxygen and blood helps to heal the discomfort and increases the brain's capacity to problem solve.

I also see specially designed rooms for relaxation, meditation, yoga and massage. There are a few companies already doing some form of this. Workers and employers both benefit from the increased productivity and increased morale.

Workers are increasingly asking for these types of benefits when negotiating with potential employers for positions and employers are starting to put these ideas into their benefits packages.

Get ready for your Office of the Future because it is upon you!"    (Continued via Ezine Articles, Wendy Young)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Kinesis Freestyle Solo Keyboard for Mac

New ergonomic keyboard developed for Mac's ...

"Of all the keyboards we've looked at recently, Kinesis’ Freestyle Solo is the only one with good ergonomics as its primary goal. It largely succeeds in attaining that objective, and adds some unique functionality, although at the expense of a traditional keyboard layout.

Pitch a tent

Mac users have never had many options when it comes to true ergonomic keyboards. While some models made for Windows PCs will work with a Mac, you lose out on all the special keys a Mac-specific keyboard brings (and often have to put up with useless Windows-centric keys in the process). The Freestyle Solo is one of the few Mac-focused ergonomic keyboards, and Kinesis has opted for a modular approach to ergonomics.

The Freestyle is fairly compact at 15.4 by 7.3 by 1.2 inches, but it’s composed of two distinct halves that can be spread outward from a small hinge at the rear of the keyboard in order to keep your wrists in a more natural position—parallel with your forearms rather than bent outwards. (You can remove the hinge completely to position the halves up to eight inches apart.) However, unlike KeyOvation’s Goldtouch Apple Compatible Keyboard, which we reviewed in 2006, the Freestyle’s sections don’t lock into your preferred position; only the rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard keep the halves from moving.

Unlike many desktop keyboards, which have keys that are higher (relative to your desk) in the back than in the front, the Freestyle is flat; in a properly configured workspace, this approach keeps your wrists from having to bend upwards.

For more healthy-hand goodness, you can separately purchase one of two ergonomic mounts for the Freestyle Solo that raise the middle of the keyboard to a “tented” position so the inside edge of each hand (the thumb side) is tilted upwards. With either accessory, you can still control the outward splay of the keyboard’s halves. The result is that your hands are much closer to their natural position: straight out from your arms and vertical."    (Continued via Macworld,Dan Frakes)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Freestyle Solo keyboard with the optional Incline accessory.

Noises off

Noise in the workplace ...

"Try this experiment: stop what you're doing and listen to the sounds around you. If you work in an average office you'll be greeted by the muted cacophony of printers, computers, conversations, road noise and even music. And now you've noticed you won't be able to ignore it. Sorry about that.

The world is a noisy place full of noisy things that impinge on our concentration. An Austrian study a few years ago found that excess ambient noise was a major factor in stopping children learning. And if it's hard to grasp long division while the school caretaker mows a lawn, it must be as hard to pay attention during a meeting while a pneumatic drill hammers away outside.

As I write this, for example, someone is playing what sound like Central American ballads extraordinarily loudly through an open window. Others are having a shouting match on the street, a truck is reversing, someone is collecting recycling, which involves glass being dropped into a container, inevitably smashing, and some kids are making laughing/chasing noises. Were I dictator of the world I would ban motorbikes without adequate silencers. We know you invested in a Harley Davidson or similar ludicrously overpowered bike; we can see it. But we don't need to hear it for a mile in either direction, you be-leathered chump.

The environment in which you work goes beyond how you have adjusted your chair and the height of your desk. Ergonomics is doubtless essential, but what about noise, lighting, temperature and air quality? If there is a hell it is lit with flickering fluorescent tubes, has windows that won't open and is three degrees beyond the edge of comfortable in either direction.

We make sure our goldfish don't have a stressful environment (or at least try to - I've accidentally sent a few to sleep with the fishes), so why not extend the same courtesy to ourselves? I know that a plastic castle in the middle of the office and a regular supply of food being dropped in from above would improve my working day.

Temperature also affects the way you feel. Too hot and you're sluggish, sweaty and will regret making tea as it's definitely a myth that it cools you down. Too cold and you're forced to wear your coat indoors and test that other myth that you won't feel the benefit when you go outside."    (Continued via guardian.co.uk, Ravi Somaiya)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Computer Ergonomics and the Office of the Future - Part 3

Ergonomics in the future - part 3 ...

"In Part 3 we will discuss Architectural Innovations such as Overhead Lighting, Partial Cubicles, Personal Storage and Homier Designs.

Architectural Innovations

Overhead Lighting Design

Overhead lighting will work in conjunction with the natural light from outside windows. In order to reduce eyestrain caused by glare from inside and outside lighting monitors must be placed in such a way so that overhead and outside lighting is not shining or reflecting at the screen or in the computer user's eyes.

In most buildings today the lighting design does not offer this flexibility. Usually what happens in most of the buildings I have seen is if the monitor is placed perpendicular to the window and to the front of the body the overhead lighting is placed in such a way that it shines or reflects directly in the eyes.

The overhead lighting must be placed so that the beams of light shine and reflect towards the sides of the body. This design of overhead lighting in conjunction with placing the monitor perpendicular to the window is the best of both lighting worlds. Architects, are you listening?

Partial Cubicles

Partial cubicles will allow for some privacy and also the ability for the worker to feel as though they are working in a larger space. The cubicles offer very little room to move and can stifle creativity, inspiration and productivity. Plus the desk space areas are too small.

I see the possibility of adjustable height screens attached on ceilings that can be adjusted up and down depending on the time of day and the amount of sun that is shining on their particular workspace. It can also offer a bit of privacy when focusing on a particular project.

Personal Storage

I see a place to put all personal items (coats, sweater, purse, extra shoes, etc.) so that they are not stored underneath desk area. When these items have no place to go except under the desk area it creates little space for legs and feet. Legs can get cramped when they do not have room to move around under the desk.

If the legs are constantly looking for a way to be comfortable the computer user may push the body away from the space How about a personal cabinet just for personal items please! If you are a boss or facilities manager give some personal space to your employees. Their personal items are just as valuable as all their files (if not more!)."    (Continued via Ezine Articles, Wendy Young)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomics and Office of the Future - Part 1

Future ergonomic designs ...

"I began wondering recently what the office of the future will look like in terms of helping businesses be more productive and for their employees to be more comfortable. Here are a number of trends I see taking place with my thoughts on some of them. Let me know what you think!

PC, Laptop and Docking Station

Smaller CPU's or laptops will create more space in the workspace as well as create a more visually appealing look. Flat panels will add to this look and create more space on the desk as reduce glare.

The additional room on the desktop and below the work surface equates to a clearer mind. A clearer mind is sharper, more creative and innovative.

Computer users will find it much easier to focus if the backgrounds of monitor screen were yellow with blue writing. It has something to do with the cones and rods in the eyes. Go ahead and get out your marker and try it on paper! Are any computer monitor manufacturers reading this?

I see many more people using with card readers they slide into their keyboard that will enable them to work from a computer on the other side of the world and still be able to view their desktop. This is being implemented at many Fortune 500 companies because they have seen how beneficial it is for frequent business travelers.

The computer of choice will be a laptop and working in comfort with a flat panel monitor, ergo mouse and keyboard.

For those that use the laptop on the road I see accessories that will enable the computer user to work in more comfort... ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard, and traveling "table."

People will learn the importance of not using the laptop in they exact ways that it is used now. I see an ergonomically designed laptop on the market that adjusts to fit each computer user.

Some of these adjustments include screen height and distance from eyes, a built-in ergonomic keyboard that comes out and adjusts to each person's shoulder width and a screen brightness button that works in many types of lighting to reduce glare.

Keyboards and Mice

I see most people using ergonomic keyboards and mice. They will not just settle for the traditional, flat keyboards from the manufacturers' anymore. They will demand more comfort at and adjustable keyboards that fit their body. Ergonomics will just be much more understood and accepted (if I have anything to say about it!).

There will be ergonomic keyboards designed with built-in mice in the front and center so that it is easy and comfortable to use. No more reaching to the mouse on the left or right.

Plus there will be lightweight, fold-up ergonomic keyboards designed for laptops for those who have not purchased their ergonomic laptop yet.

The more adjustable the keyboard the easier it can be adjusted to fit the person's shoulder width and build to keep their body working in a natural posture."    (Continued via EzineArticles, Wendy Young)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Office of the Future With Ergonomics in Mind - Part 2

Future ergonomic designs continued ...

"In Part 2 we will discuss phones, monitors, desks and filing systems for our office of the future. So let's get started!

Phones and Phone Systems

Does your phone often find a resting place between your head and your shoulders called the neck. If so, you may discover that using a headset is much more comfortable and productive.

You will not have that familiar neck ouch and will have both of your hands free while you are on hold, taking notes from your call or completing another task. This means that you will be more efficient.

Employees will be using many more wireless blue tooth headsets and will be able to walk all over the building and keep in touch like they are sitting at their desk. This will enhance their productivity and increase their multi- tasking.

Good and not so good because multi-tasking is a breeding ground for stress which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In addition it is possible that the employee will not be paying attention to where they are going.

Monitors

Everyone will have a flat panel monitor. They may even be standard when ordering new computer systems. They create openness on the desk that is more visually appealing and relaxing. There may actually be some extra room for family pictures!

I see larger screens directly in front of computer user so that they can have "face to face" phone meeting with those at other sites anywhere in the world. People must have the flexibility to "accept" the visual phone call so that their privacy is not invaded. Also, the monitor must be placed at a comfortable distance so as not to affect their eyes.

These large monitor screens will allow you to see who you are talking too but too large to work with comfortably. It is important for the head and neck to be in a natural posture when looking at the screen instead of moving back and forth, which can create pain."    (Continued via EzineArticles, Wendy Young)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Simple ways to protect your back

Posture with long stretches in front of the computer ...

"Warning: Your job may be bad for your back. Spending long hours hunched over a keyboard not only throws the delicate architecture of your spine out of whack, experts say it also strangles blood flow to muscles trying to hold everything in place. Small wonder that 50 percent of respondents in a recent national survey say work-related back pain had kept them off the job in the past year.

"Hunching forward all day makes muscles across the mid-back weak and loose," says occupational therapist and ergonomics consultant Deborah Read, president of ErgoFit Consulting Inc. of Seattle. "Once we're out of alignment, gravity has a better chance of pulling us further away from a healthy position. I see so many people walking around in a slump with the head and shoulders jutted forward and the upper back excessively rounded. And, of course, it tends to get worse with age. But you can counteract this problem."

Simple exercises at your desk can keep your back supple and ache-free. When 192 Italian office workers practiced easy stretches and paid attention to their posture for eight months, they found that the number of headaches and episodes of neck and shoulder pain fell by more than 40 percent, University of Turin researchers reported recently. The same approach can work for you. Here's what you need to know.

Q: I sit at a computer for eight hours a day. How can I keep my back straight?

A: First, don't cross your legs. Plant your feet on the floor so your thighs are parallel to the floor or slanted slightly downward. Roll your pelvis forward so your weight is supported by your buttocks and the backs of your upper thighs. Most people sit too far back on their buttocks - they slump against the back of the chair and wind up supporting their weight on the tailbone and lower back instead of the pelvis, legs, and feet. Keep your head and neck in line with your shoulders and your chin parallel to the floor. If your chin is jutting out, retract your neck and pull your head back slightly.

At this point, your natural lower back curve should be relaxed into and supported by the back of the chair, and your upper back may or may not be leaning against the chair back. Your spine should feel tall and straight and your shoulders relaxed and open. To maintain this position comfortably throughout the day, use a lumbar cushion (available online or at a local "back store") or small pillow to maintain the curve of your lower spine. It's OK to lean back, too-just be sure to pivot from your hips instead of slouching or hunching your shoulders forward.

Maintaining this position is far easier if your keyboard and computer monitor are in the right positions. Both should be right in front of you, not off to the side. Your screen should be at eye-level so you don't have to bend your neck up or down. And your monitor should be at a distance that allows you to read everything without squinting or jutting your head forward."    (Continued via Hutchinson News Online, Susan Flagg Godbey)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Work by design

An integrated view of office design ...

"The office is being deconstructed by people who want more out of life than just work and four grey walls. Work is infused by play, ergonomics are becoming increasingly important and office design is becoming democratic. Searching the globe for inspirational décor these are the latest trends I found in corporate design.

1. Work meets lifestyle

Work spaces are reflecting trends in home décor and there is noticeable continuity between what is important to people at home and in the workplace. Locally and internationally, the corporate environment is reflecting employees' lifestyle and aspirations. As such, there has been a strong movement towards open plan offices with integrated areas for work and play. In line with this, informal areas, meeting rooms and work stations are all more inspiring spaces.

2. Environmentally conscious

There is a growing concern in improving the immediate surroundings in an eco-friendly and environmentally responsible manner. This trend recognises that we are defined and influenced by our surroundings. Attention is now given to every aspect of design from lighting to climate control and ergonomics.

3. Design for everyone

In contrast to the traditional office design philosophy, which was perhaps more focused on the comfort of management, there is now a far more inclusive and egalitarian approach in designing the total working environment for all employees. Corporate décor is now there for everyone to enjoy, not only in the chairman's office.

4. Creative innovation

The move towards contemporary architecture with its clean lines and use of glass, steel and timber has resulted in more open spaces and the use of natural light in buildings. This move has impacted not only on the way office space is used, but on the way it is furnished. The corporate environment has also become more innovative and cutting edge, with interesting designer pieces gaining prominence. For example, a signature chair can be used as a stunning focal point. Art has also gained enormous prominence and interesting art pieces are taking their place in all areas of the corporate environment."    (Continued via Moneyweb, Chris Weylandt)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Herman Miller Announces Embody(TM), the First Work Chair to Support Both Mind and Body

New Herman Miller ergonomic chair introduced ...

"Herman Miller, Inc., the global office furniture manufacturer that has continuously set new standards for seating comfort, ergonomics, and performance, introduces the next groundbreaking innovation in work chairs: the Embody chair, designed by internationally renowned designers Jeff Weber and the late Bill Stumpf.

"Our drive at Herman Miller to make the human experience better has yielded many innovations," says Don Goeman, Herman Miller's Executive Vice President-Research, Design and Development. "Over the last 30 years, each of our seating products has built the foundation of research and knowledge for the next. Embody once again reinvents the reference for ergonomics by providing a chair designed to actually enhance your health."

Embody recognizes that almost all knowledge-based, creative work processes have become tethered to the electronic realm. We are bound to our computers for longer periods of time throughout the day. This has contributed to more unhealthy working conditions, because prolonged sitting is bad for you. Chairs hinder movement, yet movement is critical to physical health and mental performance. Extended sitting also stresses tissues and muscles, pressures the spine, and restricts blood flow. The results are physical and mental fatigue, discomfort, distraction, and even costly injury.

"The sitter side of the computer-and-sitter interface has never been adequately addressed," Weber says. "In fact, accommodating technology at the expense of people has become the priority in creating work environments."

These are serious issues in today's idea economy, where people are paid to produce ideas, and companies are seeking tools that help people perform at their best.

Stumpf and Weber decided to solve the problem. Stumpf, designer or co-designer of Herman Miller's Aeron®, Ergon®, and Equa® work chairs, came to Herman Miller in 2002 and said, "I think I have one more in me." Bill Stumpf passed away in 2006, but his partner Jeff Weber, principal of Studio Weber + Associates (formerly Stumpf, Weber + Associates), carried on, giving the chair its final function and form.

Working closely with a cross-functional team from Herman Miller, and in consultation with leading figures in academia, healthcare and ergonomics, Weber and Stumpf invented a chair that restores balance to the human/computer relationship by supporting both your mind and your body.

"Embody is a health-positive seating experience," says Weber, "Because it enhances both your intake of oxygen and the cellular exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, improving your health and ultimately fueling your brain." A set of important innovations makes this possible."    (Continued via Yahoo! Finance)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Embody

Coping with carpal tunnel

Using Probiotics to relieve CTS ...

"I have carpal tunnel syndrome. What do you recommend? I use the computer a lot, but I haven't come up with a way to avoid it.

A: Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

Symptoms are pain, weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist radiating up the arm and, over time, weakness and atrophy of some of the small hand muscles that control the thumb.

For years we believed carpal tunnel syndrome was a repetitive stress injury stemming from overuse of the hands, wrists and fingers, particularly from spending long hours at the computer keyboard. But a recent study from Harvard casts doubt on this notion and suggests most people who develop CTS are genetically predisposed to do so, perhaps because of the structure of their hands and wrists.

Researchers led by David Ring, MD, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery, used the Bradford Hill criteria, a widely accepted method of determining the association between a disease and its cause, to evaluate factors contributing to CTS. They found biological factors, including genetics, were three times more powerful than repetitive hand use and other occupational factors. The study was presented at the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Ring noted the hallmark of CTS is numbness that wakes you at night or is present when you wake in the morning, not wrist pain related to activity.

Another new slant on CTS came from ergonomics researchers at the University of California at San Francisco and McMaster University in Canada. They concluded that the angle of wrist flexion can increase pressure on the median nerve and established limits on how much the wrist can be flexed in each direction before nerve damage sets in. The study was published in the February 2007 issue of Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

The conventional treatment for CTS is to rest the affected hand, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ice packs and oral prednisone or injections of lidocaine into the wrist.

The most effective treatment that I've found is B6 or pyridoxine, 100 milligrams two or three times a day. At this dosage, B6 acts as a natural therapeutic agent for nerve compression injuries. (B6 at doses higher than 300 milligrams a day has caused nerve damage in a few individuals; discontinue use if you develop any unusual numbness.)

For quick relief, rub on arnica gel and wrap ice packs around your wrists for five minutes every few hours to ease the pain and inflammation. And don't worry. Most people with CTS recover completely."    (Continued via Calgary Herald, Dr.Andrew Weil)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomic Laboratory Seating

The need for ergonomic laboratory seating ...

"Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), an occupational illness, has increased exponentially in the past couple of years. Cumulative trauma disorder encompasses various musculoskeletal disorders which involve muscles, bones, tendons, etc. Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly caused due to repetitive motion and/or improper static posture which result in undue stress and strain to body parts, especially to the lumbar region. You could safeguard your body from irreversible damage by adhering to proper seating posture and using appropriate seating equipment. Remember the old adage - prevention is better than cure.

Statistics released by the U.S department of labor reveal that over 60% of musculoskeletal disorders are caused due to repetitive motions, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis being the most common ones. Laboratory workers, as most of their counterparts, are not immune to such cumulative trauma disorders. Laboratory work usually involves microscopes and pipettes. While using these instruments, lab workers undertake repetitive motion and frequently maintain awkward unsupported posture. This often results in CTDs such as lower back and neck pain.

Laboratory seating equipment us made up of different material as compared to office seating equipment to withstand corrosive chemicals, moisture and static. It also incorporates specialized designs to suit different table heights and multiple users. Besides this, ergonomically designed laboratory chairs and stools provide a comfortable seating solution. While selecting a laboratory chair it is imperative to ensure that it includes a height adjusting mechanism, 360 degree swivel base and appropriate back support for optimum comfort.

Ergonomically designed laboratory seating is however not the be all and end all to cumulative trauma disorders. It is important to pay attention to symptoms of CTDs and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Apart from this, it is advisable to take frequent breaks and avoid repetitive motions as much as possible. It is also recommended to avoid awkward postures and do exercise to flex your muscles. All of these coupled with ergonomic seating will go a long way in preventing cumulative trauma disorders. You would probably find many more ways to reduce stress in your work environment but self evaluation and correction should be given paramount importance.

Ergonomic laboratory seating plays a crucial role in building a stress free work environment and helps workers lead a healthy life."    (Continued via Ezine Articles, Rakesh Soni)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Forward head posture and skeletal pain

This interview gets to the head posture effect on skeletal pain ...

"Q: My son is 15 years old and has terrible neck pain and headaches. This has been going on for the past year. We have taken him to our family doctor, where they diagnosed him with tension headaches and put him on medication. At first, the medication worked, but in the past two months his headaches have worsened. He complains the most when he is watching TV, on the computer or playing video games. Do you have any suggestions that could help? - Taylor, Chillicothe.

A: I followed this question up with a few other questions to the mother. I wanted to know how her son's time was spent throughout a normal day. Her son's normal day showed the following: two to three hours watching TV per day, two hours on computer during school week and up to six to eight hours on the weekend per day, 200 text messages per day, and one to two hours a day for homework, video games, other. He would do little to no physical activity. He had physical education for only about half the school year. His weight was normal. He spent an average of 95 percent of his waking hours with technology (computer, video games, TV, etc.).

This is a very bad situation that could cause some long-term chronic health-care problems. This patient is becoming more and more prevalent throughout all doctor's offices. We live in the information age of technology creating muscle imbalances from posture stress. One of the possibilities that could be creating problems for your son is forward head posture (FHP). This is where the head is positioned forward on the shoulders. When head shifts forward for a prolonged time or repetitively you create a common muscle imbalance called upper crossed syndrome (UCS). The combination of the head forward on the shoulders and the muscle imbalance it creates over time causes problems to arise from the mid torso up to the head.

Upper crossed syndrome was originated by Vladimir Janda. Dr. Janda was known as the "Father of Czech Rehabilitation." The upper crossed syndrome is defined as tightness of the upper trapezius, pectoralis major, and levator scapulae and weakness of the rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius, and the deep neck flexors, especially the scalene muscles. This is the musculature of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and shoulder. When we sit and watch TV, spend time in front of computers, video games, text messaging, internet and/or TV on phones etc., a posture imbalance occurs. All this technology leads to what I call micro traumas to the upper thoracic spine, cervical spine, and shoulders. Over time, this posture stress will create muscle problems, which will lead to skeletal problems.

If you view an individual from the side, their ear should be in line with mid shoulder, mid hip and lateral ankle. So you should be able to drop a plum line off the back of your ear and it should fall through the middle of the shoulder all the way down to the ankle. For every inch of forward head posture, there is an additional 10 pounds of stress on the cervical spine. The average head weighs 8 to 10 pounds, and for every inch of FHP, you can almost double the weight of the head putting stress on the skeleton. On an X-ray, you can measure the amount of FHP for a definite number. I have teen- aged patients who measure 4 inches of FHP and are starting to develop that dreadful hump at the base of neck. This hump is called a Dowager Hump and can cause compression fractures (anterior wedging) later in life. When you walk through a doorway and your head pops through before your body does then you probably have FHP."    (Continued via Chillicothe Gazette, Dr. Brandon Hanes)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Car Makers Tap Technology To Design Cars For Elder Drivers

Designing for older users ...

"As America's workforce ages and the baby boomers retire in the next few years, carmakers are expecting some excess cash in the hands of retirees which could be used to purchase a new vehicle.

To anticipate the needs of their future owners, Nissan Motor is designing models that would cater to the requirements of older drivers. An aging suit is one of the devices the company uses to help its designers feel the need of the senior market.

The aging suit simulates what it feels to drive with arthritic limbs, shaky balance, large midsection and poor vision. A goggle distorts color and provides the wearer an idea what people with cataracts could see or not see.

The need to provide extra features for elderly drivers is because drivers 65 years old and above have 16 percent higher chances of being involved in a vehicular accident than those between 25 to 64, according to data from the 2007 report of the Rand Institute for Civil Justice.

Ford Motor is also using a Third Age gear to simulate aging and a virtual reality laboratory to try car ergonomics and test clearness of driver's vision. General Motors is designing a high-tech windshield which aims to enhance the view of the one behind the wheels.

Aside from vehicles with senior-friendly features, Nissan is set to introduce in 2009 the Denki Cube Concept in the U.S. and Canada. It features a square-shaped automobile powered by a lithium-ion battery. The prototype was displayed in March by Nissan at the Jacob Javits Convention Center."    (Continued via AHN)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Computing in Comfort

Tips for setting-up ergonomic office ...

"When setting up a computer workstation, especially at home, we tend to use whatever furniture we have handy. But "making do" may cost you more than it saves in the long run, due to decreased productivity and increased medical expenses. The more time you spend in front of the computer, the more important it is to adjust your workstation. Ideally, it should fit like custom-made clothing.

If you come away from a session at your computer with aching hands or eyes that feel full of sand, you may shrug off your discomforts as an unavoidable consequence of too much time at the keyboard. But the real problem probably isn't the quantity of time you spend at the computer. It's more likely caused by your physical positioning at the computer. Here are some tips on how to arrange yourself and your computing environment for optimum health and comfort.

A Desk That Fits

Physical proportions vary widely among individuals, yet we sit at mass-produced, one-size-fits-all desks. And like automobile seat belts, desks seem to be designed using Sylvester Stallone as a model; they're usually too big for women.

Working at a desk that's too high off the floor can lead to all sorts of aches and pains, especially in your shoulders and neck. It can also trigger early fatigue and interfere with your ability to concentrate. A desk that's too low can also have physical repercussions, including an aching neck and upper back.

If resting your forearms on your desk causes your shoulders to rise upward, the desk is probably too tall. If your knees continually bump against the underside, even when your feet are flat on the floor, it's probably too short.

To elevate a desk that's too low, place boards or other stable and sturdy braces beneath the legs. Lowering a desk is a bit trickier. One rather permanent method is to use a saw to trim an inch or two from the legs. You can also compensate for a too-tall desk by raising your chair height, but if you do that, be sure to pay attention to the way that affects your overall position. You may need to add a footrest (see below) to maintain proper leg position.

Sitting in Style (and Comfort)

A well-designed chair is worth every penny you spend on it, but only if you take advantage of its capabilities. Ideally, you should be able to independently alter the seat height and angle, back rest, and arm rests.

To properly adjust your chair, begin by raising the height until your knees are around a ninety degree (right) greater angle, and your feet are resting flat on the floor. If the front edge of the seat is running into the backs of your legs, slightly tilt the seat pan (the flat part you sit on) forward to relieve the pressure. It's best if your knees are slightly lower than your hips.

Your lower back (the lumbar area) has a slight natural forward curve. Raise or lower the backrest until it supports that waist-level curve and allows you to lean back comfortably.

Armrest use is a matter of personal preference.

"For many women, armrests are too wide apart for comfortable use unless it is just occasional," warns ergonomics consultant Carol Stuart-Buttle, CPE.

If you have armrests, adjust them to a height just below elbow level. A lower setting may encourage you to slouch down. A higher one is likely to position your shoulders in a perpetual shrug. Don't use the armrests when you type; save them for breaks, instead.

If your chair is too low in relation to your work surface, raise it until your knees are within a few inches of the underside of the desk or work surface. Then use a footrest (a thick book will often do the trick) to elevate your feet until they comfortably rest flat and your knees are returned to about a ninety degree (or greater) angle.

Always test drive a chair before buying it. You can't tell by reading a catalog how easily a chair will adjust to fit your body shape or how comfortable it really is. Try it out in the store or, even better, ask if you can try it out for a few days."    (Continued via ThirdAge, Anne Martinez)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Improbable research: Uncomfortable truths about wet underwear

Keep those undies dry ...

"Martha Kold Bakkevig and Ruth Nielson performed the first good scientific analysis of wet underwear in cold weather. Their study, Impact of Wet Underwear on Thermoregulatory Responses and Thermal Comfort in the Cold, appeared in 1994 in the journal Ergonomics.

Bakkevig, at Sintef Unimed in Trondheim, Norway, and Nielson, at the Technical University of Denmark, found eight men who were willing to wear wet underwear in the cold while having their skin and rectal temperatures monitored. The experiment was carried out in a special test chamber where the temperature was kept at 10C. Some men were given wet pants, others dry ones. The materials were various - wool, cotton, polypropylene and various blends.

Before donning the sodden underclothes, each man was weighed in the nude and temperature sensors were affixed to various parts of the body. A six-inch-long rectal thermometer was inserted.

Each man sat alone in a chair in the cold room for 60 minutes with the thermometer up his butt. Every 10 minutes he filled out a questionnaire that asked the degree to which he was (a) shivering, (b) sweating and (c) comfortable or uncomfortable. There were additional questions, along related lines. Every 60 seconds, machines recorded the man's skin temperature, weight and inner temperature. At the end of the hour, the man removed the wet underwear, and was again weighed in the nude. The underwear was also weighed.

The scientists analysed the data and produced graphs and charts depicting what had happened. Some things remained constant throughout the hour:

• Men wearing wet underwear always reported their underwear felt wet.

• Men wearing dry underwear always reported their underwear felt dry.

• Men with wet underwear felt colder, and less comfortable, than men with dry underwear.

Bakkevig and Nielson drew two conclusions: that wet underwear does influence thermoregulatory responses and thermal comfort in the cold; and that the underwear's thickness matters much more than what it's made of. For discerning these truths, they shared the 1995 Ig Nobel prize in public health."    (Continued via The Guardian, Marc Abrahams)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Mass Producing Ergonomics

Two of the world's largest automakers are also two of the biggest success stories when it comes to ergonomics and worker safety.

... Often the work safety argument is couched as the dichotomy between people and technology, with one always being more important than the other in producing results. But as the examples of Ford and Honda demonstrate, the answer is in the middle. You need both to succeed.

Sometimes, the best health and safety innovations come from your own employees. That's what management from Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.'s facility in Anna, Ohio learned when a group of its employees created a solution to reduce pushing and pulling risk hazards.

The company was recently awarded the 2008 Ergo Cup for engineering. The award, which is sponsored by the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, celebrates problem solving efforts conducted by in-house engineers and ergonomists.

Brent Rankin, engineering coordinator at the plant, says the division was presented with the challenge of reducing push-pull forces found in carts that are used for transporting parts from the materials service department to the assembly line. Employees transport between 1,100 and 2,200 pounds of materials on these carts. The force used to get the carts moving placed employees at a significant risk of back injuries, he says.

"I think many industries have this problem," Rankin says. "We had looked at a variety of wheels and we thought that we had found the best caster we could use. However, we still had to overcome the initial inertia. Once you got the cart moving, it would roll fine."

Rankin says the engineering and ergonomics team examined a variety of approaches, including hydraulics and mechanical levers, to get the cart moving. However, the group settled on a different method.

... "The team was just not engineers," he says. "We had a group of associates on the line that took interest and wanted to solve the problem. We got together as a group and came up with a lot of different ideas. It is an ongoing process. This is one way our associates are very engaged in the ergonomics process."    (Continued via Risk & Insurance Online, CTDNews, Joshua Clifton)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Occupational injuries very common in surgeons

Surgeons get a lot of injuries ...

"A survey of more than 350 plastic surgeons indicates that occupational injuries, especially muscle strains, are the norm, not the exception in this profession, according to study findings to be presented next month at the American Society of Plastic Surgery meeting in Chicago.

This is the "first systematic assessment of injuries occurring in the surgical workforce," lead researcher Dr. Pranay M. Parikh, from Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, told Reuters Health.

The results indicate that injuries are much more prevalent among surgeons than previously thought, Parikh said. "As surgeons have historically been a stoic and low complaining population, the incidence of occupational injuries in this population has been underreported."

The survey focused on 28 common conditions of the neck, back and arms. The research team also examined a number of potential risk factors for injury, such as age, gender, years spent operating, and use of microscopes and loupes, a smaller, more portable magnifying device. The functional impact of the injury was assessed using the "DASH" tool (disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand.)

Muscle strain was reported by 70 percent of the surgeons, vision changes by 40 percent, cervical disc degeneration by 30 percent, lumbar disc degeneration by 25 percent, and shoulder arthritis by 20 percent. Roughly half of the subjects reported being treated for a health condition related to operating.

The DASH findings suggested that the injuries often had a functional impact. Age, years in practice, and loupe use were all found to correlate with injury.

Most of the respondents also reported an injury that broke the skin or a splash exposure within the 12 months prior to the survey, the findings indicate.

"Surgery is a physically and mentally demanding field requiring more than 10 years of post-graduate training to prepare for," Parikh noted. "Avoiding preventable disability in this highly trained group is imperative to protect the surgical workforce and ensure a high level of surgical care."

He added that "workplace ergonomics is an area for growth and development to prevent occupational injuries in surgeons."    (Continued via Yahoo! News, Anthony J. Brown, MD)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Comp Dollars & Sense: Ergonomics

Ten steps to protect employees from MSD ...

"Making adjustments to protect your employees from musculoskeletal disorders need not be costly, difficult or frustrating. According to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, there are a number simple strategies that you can implement at your workplace to strengthen or enhance an ergonomics program.

The department said employers can put a halt to rising injury claims and improve their programs by using the following 10 recommendations:

1. Educate and involve employees. Employees are the real experts when it comes to their jobs, and are often the best source for pointing out musculoskeletal disorders risks and hazards. Chances are, they have a solution to offer as well. Educating employees on ergonomics helps them feel more comfortable with offering suggestions and increases buy-in.

There are numerous ways to get employees involved. For example, encourage workers to participate on join labor-management committees and other advisory groups. You can also have employees participate in job hazard inspections or seek their input in developing training programs and revising safety rules.

2. Take a look at all of the available data to find problems. Use your workers' compensation claims data, OSHA 200 logs, safety committee meetings, absenteeism and turnover records, employee suggestions and any other data you have available to identify where the biggest problems are.

3. Encourage early reporting. If employees feel comfortable about coming forward with symptoms of injury early on, you have an opportunity to take care of the problem before it results in a workers' comp claim. The net result is less pain and suffering for the employee and considerable cost savings for the employer.

4. Find quick fixes to get momentum going. According to the DL&I, it is crucial not to get caught up in "analysis paralysis." It's easy with ergonomics to start looking at every little task and movement. However, sometimes there are simple solutions that could be implemented quickly with little analysis, like raising a computer or lowering a countertop. Putting these solutions into place will generate enthusiasm by demonstrating to employees, supervisors and management how effective and simple ergonomics can be.

5. Carefully analyze complex problems. Some problems are more complex than others. For some work environment issues, a careful analysis is in order. By keeping your options open at this stage, you often can find alternative solutions to the problem that you would have missed if you had moved too quickly.

6. Focus on eliminating the risk factors. Too often, employers focus only on solutions such as training employees or rotating them in and out of hazardous jobs as a fix. Training in proper work practices is an important part of ergonomics and should accompany any new equipment or procedures that are implemented. Changes to work practices and equipment often can eliminate or substantially reduce the risk factors for injury. These can be as simple as bending the knees when picking something up or adjusting a keyboard.

7. Don't just throw money at the problem. Purchasing equipment is often a very good solution to an ergonomics problem. However, changing the way something is done, rather than replacing equipment, is often the most effective way to prevent injury."    (Continued via Risk & Insurance Online)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Posture Exercises You Can Do Right Now

If bad posture has become a norm for you, then you may have realized that it's time to do something about it. Of course, you can purchase a back or posture support to help you stand or sit straight, but you'll notice that as soon as you remove the brace, your back goes right back to the same slouched position. Wearing a posture support only gives your back and neck short-term support. What you need is a method that will enable you to correct your posture and help you to stand upright.

It's known that poor posture can lead to serious complications such as respiratory problems, back and neck pain, as well as headaches. So you see, there is a need to take measures to correct your posture. One method that is proven to help correct poor posture are posture exercises. It's the lack of muscles, which supports your spinal cord that causes you to bend over the way you do. Strengthening these muscles builds a stable structure around the bones of your spinal cord; allowing you to stand or sit straighter than before.

Performing these posture exercises a few times throughout the day for approximately 6-8 weeks will help build your back and shoulder muscles. Here are a few examples to get you started

1. Sit straight up in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Now, take your fingers and push your chin back as if you were pushing your chin through the back of your head. All you need is a light push and you will feel the stretch in your upper back. Do this exercise for about 3 times for about 10 seconds each.

2. Using a large stability ball, lay on your back. Use the ball to stretch your back by pushing your body back on the ball as far as you can with your feet. Your head should be close to touching the floor. This exercise should allow you to feel a deep stretch in your back.

3. Lie on the floor with our knees bent. Your feet should be positioned shoulder width apart and at a 90 degree angle. With your arms to your sides, lift your pelvis up and off the floor. Do this 5 times, holding up every 5 seconds as you tighten your stomach.

4. Sitting in a chair, roll your shoulders in a circle frontwards. Do this 5 to 10 times. Now, roll your shoulders in a circle going backwards. Again, roll your shoulders in this direction 5-10 times.

5. The best posture exercises you can perform to help strengthen your back are Yoga exercises. Yoga poses incorporate lots of strengthening movements. If you are a member of a gym, check with the front desk to see if your club offers free Yoga classes. After taking only a few classes, you will definitely feel and see a difference in your posture.

Posture exercises work perfectly to improve weak muscles, causing poor posture. It's best to perform these exercises on a daily basis to ensure the highest results. You can expect to see noticeable improvements within approximately 2 months of consistent practice. Dedication to practicing these posture exercises will allow you to sit and walk tall."    (Continued via e
EzineArticals, Natalie Cordova D.C.)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Posture the key in prolonged laptop use

Get that posture right ...

"Originally used mostly by businesspeople who travelled often, laptops have recently begun to outsell desktop computers. More often than not they're light, compact and cute as a button, and everyone, from high-school students to CEOs, are carrying them around.

More and more often, people are learning how to set up their desks in a way that's appropriate to their needs, and offices are becoming increasingly sensitive to issues of ergonomics. Desktop computers are still causing problems, but it's laptops that are the real troublemakers these days.

Now that we're all using laptops more and more often, for longer and longer periods of time, it's important to remember that handy as they are, they're causing some serious problems for the human body. There are a few things to remember to keep your laptop use pain-free and posture-friendly.

First of all, laptops aren't actually meant to be used on your lap. Everywhere you look, people contort themselves into the strangest positions to make laptops usable. Holding your laptop in your lap leads to postural positions that are a massage therapist's worst nightmare. Hunching over, squeezing arms tight and flexing wrists to reach the keyboard and poking your head forward to see the screen can all lead to back, neck, shoulder, wrist arm and hand pain.

Instead of putting your laptop on your lap, place it on a solid surface. The real problem with laptops is that the screen and keyboard are stuck together. Your computer screen should be directly at eye level, and a keyboard should be placed so there is no strain on the wrists or shoulders.

You want your screen further away, and your keyboard closer, than a laptop will allow. If you are using your laptop as your primary computer, use a laptop stand to elevate the screen, and get an external keyboard and mouse. This way, you can place everything so it is properly adjusted to your body.

Make sure you are seated properly, and that you are comfortable, not hunching your back or straining your neck or shoulders.

Though laptops are lovely and compact, a bit of accessorizing will help save the long-term user a world of pain."    (Continued via Ottawa Business Journal)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Using Ergonomics to Prevent Work Injuries

Preventing pain through ergonomics ...

"50% of all workers are at risk of developing a repetitive stress injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back pain. 1 in 10 will develop an injury severe enough that it interferes with work, home and leisure activities. Symptoms may include pain, numbness and tingling, weakness and clumsiness. At its worst, those who experience these injuries are unable to work, unable to pursue musical and artistic hobbies, unable to perform simple household tasks, even unable to hold and care for their babies.

In addition to the pain and disability experienced by the individual, the cost of these injuries can be tremendous. The carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. An individual case, including medical, therapeutic and work-related expenses, can cost up to $29,000. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the direct and indirect costs of all these types of injuries can total as much as $20 billion dollars a year.

If we or a loved one are not personally affected, why should we care? As a consumer, for every purchase we make, for every service we need, these costs are passed on to us. As an employer, these costs have a significant impact on our business expenses and practices.

Most of us have either experienced symptoms ourselves or know of someone who has hand pain or had surgery on the hand. We see people daily, on the streets, in our offices, at the grocery stores, wearing wrist braces or back supports. Yet few of us are able to say what causes these injuries or, more importantly, to plan strategies for prevention.

Repetitive injuries occur when daily microscopic damage exceeds the body's daily ability to repair tissues. The damage accumulates gradually until eventually we have a deficit in healing and symptoms become evident. Demanding work activity or poor work practices (such as excessive or repetitive work, forceful movements, poor posture and awkward positioning) can all contribute to the development of injuries. Anything that slows the body's ability to heal can also contribute: stress, poor health or illness, not taking care of your body.

The earlier that repetitive injuries are treated, the better the chance of recovery. However, the very best defense is to prevent the injury from occurring in the first place.

Ergonomics is the art and science of creating comfortable and user friendly work environments and work practices. Maintaining a work environment that is ergonomically sound and developing work practices that place the least amount of stress on the body are important to preventing injuries.

small and inexpensive changes can add up to big rewards. For example, take steps to reduce the noise around you and maintain a comfortable work temperature. Modify activities that require awkward positioning, forceful movements and repetition. Using a glare screen and a telephone head-set, changing the position of the mouse or the monitor, and varying your tasks performed throughout the day, can all significantly reduce body stressors."    (Continued via Bella Online, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]