Application of Ergonomics to the Legs - Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational Ergonomics - page 583

29
Application of
Ergonomics to the Legs

29.1 Introduction . ............................. 29-1

29.2 Lower Extremity Injuries: Is There an

Occupational Problem? ...................... 29-1
Hip Disorders † Knee Disorders † Stress Fractures

29.3 Preventing Injury: Types of Ergonomics

Controls ................................. 29-5
Floor Mats † Shoe Insoles † Help for Those in Kneeling
Postures

Steven A. Lavender
The Ohio State University

29.4 Summary . . . ............................. 29-8

29.1 Introduction

Most of the ergonomics literature dealing with the prevention and control of musculoskeletal disorders
in the workplace has focused on the upper extremity and the back. Comparatively, little attention has
been given to lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders that occur in the workplace. One could argue
that since lower extremity problems are not well documented in ergonomics journals, the problems
may not be of much practical significance. The first objective of this chapter is to review the current lit-
erature regarding occupational musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lower extremities and to demon-
strate the significance of the problem. The second objective is to describe what types of intervention
strategies are available to minimize the likelihood of future or recurrent injuries to the feet, angles,
knees, and hips.

29.2 Lower Extremity Injuries: Is There an Occupational
Problem?

The sports medicine literature is full of lower extremity overuse injuries in athletes. All too often we have
seen athletes relegated to the sidelines following some sort of soft tissue injury that is likely to be the effect
of not just a single incidence, but rather a cumulative loading pattern during practice and competition.
Luckily, in most occupational environments, the intensity of the exercise is greatly diminished; however,
the cumulative exposure problem still persists. Studies have begun to report the relationship between
occupational factors and knee, hip, and foot trauma.

29-1