Abstract This paper looks at manual handling and the risks involved for backinjuries. It looks at different types of handling: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving. The author assesses risks and gives preventive measures. The paper also offers the biomechanics of manual handling and backinjuries.
From the Paper "A recent survey of self-reported, work-related injuries estimated that there were over a million people with musculoskeletaldisorders (MSD's) in Great Britain caused or aggravated by their work and this resulted in roughly a million lost working days ..."
From the Paper "PHYSICAL THERAPY & DAILY PRE-WORK EXERCISE AS A PREVENTION STRATEGY FOR LOW-BACK INJURY IN INDUSTRY
This research examines the effectiveness of pre-work exercising as a prevention strategy for low-back injuries in industrial settings. Low-back injuries in industrial settings are a major source of work-related health problems. Such injuries also lead frequently to chronic low-back pain, which in itself is the most significant source of costs involved in the settlement of low-back injury claims (Burton & Erg, 1997).
Low-back injuries account for approximately one-third of all workers? compensation payments in the United States. There are, however, a number of strategies that are effective in reducing the frequency of low-back injuries in the work place. These strategies include back education, lifting training.."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of stretching and avoidance of injuries by fixing muscle imbalances, which are an alteration in the lengths of muscles. The author includes material on synergistic dominance, reciprocal dominance and strategies of stretching. The paper contains research from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Journal of Sports Medicine, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
From the Paper:
"If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
From the Paper "If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
Tags: arthrokinetics, exercise, imbalance, injuries, kinesiology, muscle, sports, stretch, training
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that chronic non-specific low back pain is defined as back pain that continues for more than 12 weeks often without a specific source or triggering factor. The writer notes that at present, chronic low back pain is considered by doctors to be the most expensive benign disease in industrialized countries because it significantly limits the number of physical and non-physical activities that a person might do. The writer points out that due to the rising cost to the economy because of back pain, it becomes very important to find cheaper alternative treatments and management strategies to prevent it from occurring and to lessen the pain associated with it. The writer concentrates on Pilates exercises. The writer concludes that Pilates exercises not only focus on the core muscles associated with low back pain, but have confirmed pain management effects.
Outline:
Introduction
Using Pilates to Improve Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Results of the Pilates Intervention Program
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the cheaper alternative treatments that have been found for chronic non-specific low back pain is exercise therapy. Exercise therapy for back pain focuses on the key areas of the back so that the person suffering from it can slowly become more confident to use their spine and become less afraid of the physical pain associated with using it. As exercise therapy progresses, the back muscles are strengthened and the individual will experience less pain with physical activity. Exercise therapy is also cheaper than traditional physiotherapy since it can be performed in groups with only a single instructor while physiotherapy mandates expensive one-on-one session with a physical therapist."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the sport of gymnastics. According to the paper, younger gymnastic athletes are particularly vulnerable to injuries because of the great physical, stamina, and balance-related demands. The paper goes on to discuss the various possible causes of gymnastic related injuries.
From the Paper "Exercises using the plyometric strategy are very useful for gymnasts; plyometric exercises are the "rapid deceleration and acceleration of muscles" that in turn help create a stretch-shortening cycle," according to www.specialolympics.org. These kinds of exercises train the muscles, and train the nervous system to carry out in an effective way the stretch-shortening cycle, which can improve the performance of a gymnast. Drills using plyometrics also help the athlete develop "rhythm, speed, power and even muscular endurance," the Special Olympics site explains. All plyometric exercises must be carried out on a flat soft surface, and for example, doing the "Exploding Harvards" plyometric exercise builds stamina and muscle strength by doing 10 jumps on each leg."
Abstract This paper looks at how backinjuries are the number one workplace safety problem and how adhering to proper lifting techniques is likely to reduce the injury rate. It describes the correct procedure for lifting heavy objects and discusses how workplaces should be designed to minimize the need for manual lifting.
Outline:
Introduction
The Risk
Assessing the Situation
The Lift
Other Considerations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The first step in lifting a heavy object is to assess the situation. The first assessment should be of the object itself. It is important to get a sense of how much the object weighs before you attempt to lift it. The object should be inspected for signs of potential problems. These include sharp corners and slippery spots. If possible, the worker should try to find a handle or other good gripping spot. This handle or gripping spot should be evaluated for its ability to bear the load. The worker should not assume that because an object has a handle that the handle is able to bear the load. Many objects, but especially boxes, may be carrying more weight than they were originally designed for. "
Abstract This paper briefly provides a review of lower back pain, from a review of the main types of lower back pain to their causes. It explains that this is a very treatable condition and suggests methods for prevention and cure.
From the Paper "Many adults suffer from lower back pain, and indeed back pain is one of the main reasons for patients seeking treatment from their family doctor: it is estimated that lower back pain costs the US health care system $25 billion annually in diagnosis and treatment (Bratton, 1999). The effective diagnosis and early treatment of lower back pain is therefore desirable (Bratton, 1999)."
Abstract Focusing on the common yet dangerous injury regularly recieved in sporting matches - concussions. This paper describes the causes, treatment, symptoms, and the medical side of sports. It also looks at the sports causing the injuries, and how the sport causes them.
From the Paper "Head injuries are serious business. Anytime you are dealing with the brain, you want to take everything about the injury seriously and prepare for the worst. A concussion is defined as an injury to the brain, often resulting from a blow to the head, which can cause temporary disorientation, memory loss, or unconsciousness. These are also known as "closed head injuries"."
Abstract This paper provides information about sports related injuries in the United States, including statistics on the frequency of injury and death of people participating in individual as well as team sports.
Abstract This paper begins by defining whiplash injuries, also known as cervical sprain injuries. The paper then describes the physical and non-physical effects of whiplash, looks at what whiplash means in terms of disability management and examines the need for medical services and counseling for employees who suffer from whiplash injuries.
From the Paper "Disability management, according to Henry Harder, is a relatively new field defined as an active process of minimizing the impact of impairment on the individual's capacity to participate competitively in the work environment. Central to this field is the concept of early intervention and a focus on psychosocial issues known to occur in tandem with physical injuries. Consequently, professionals working in the field must acquire a thorough understanding of various injuries and illnesses leading to disability as well as the specific interventions."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of signature wounds from various wars. According to this paper, the Iraq War has resulted in a large number of traumatic brain injuries. This paper goes on to discuss the causes and nature of this injury.
From the Paper "In every war, historians recognize that there will probably be at least one signature wound that will characterize that war for posterity. Incidences of radiation sickness from the atomic bomb will forever distinguish World War II. The Vietnam War still lives on in highlighting the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The current Iraq War will be no different. In fact, military doctors are already aware of the signature wound of this conflict, one that is slowly dawning in the public eye. For a variety of reasons--including protective armor and enemy tactics--traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are emerging as one of the most devastating and widespread injuries among U.S. casualties of the Iraq War. Traumatic brain injury has a number of causes. However, the nature of the wound and its effects are well documented."
Abstract This paper discusses some important issues in connection with workplace fatalities and occupational injuries. Tens of hundreds of employees expose themselves to serious health and safety risks as they work in unsafe conditions in country's various industries. In such cases, companies are required to pay compensation to employees who get injured at work but in more serious cases, employers can be charged with murder if it is found that a certain worker's death occurred due to management's negligence and inability to comply by OSHA guidelines.
From the Paper "Business ethics have become a major issue of debate in American corporate world because it has been found that in several cases, occupational injuries occur not due to the negligence of the employees but more because of the inappropriate safety measures. This is one reason why many people are of the view that death due to workplace injuries should be termed homicide and employers must be charged with murder. While not every person would agree with that, at least those in the legal profession maintain that employers can be charged with murder if available evidence suggests that the reason behind death of an employee was unsafe working environment."
Abstract This paper discusses the topic of cardiovascular disease. The paper looks at how exercise affects the cardiovascular system in a positive way and how exercise also positively affects aging, obesity and the muscular and respiratory systems. The author states that scientists, researchers and physicians complete studies every year on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and consistently, these studies show exercise can play an important part in reducing the instance of cardiovascular disease.
From the Paper "Exercise should be an important part of everyone's life, because it is simply good for everyone. It is well known, even among sedentary Americans, that exercise has a positive affect on the heart and lungs, and it can improve heart health. Many physicians and experts acknowledge that aerobic exercise is extremely effective in promoting heart health. These doctors note, "This would appear also to be the case in understanding the relationship between reactivity and aerobic fitness. One of the consequences of aerobic-exercise training is a reduction in resting heart rate and blood pressure" (McCabe, Schneiderman, Field, & Wellens, 2000, p. 197). Reducing the heart rate and blood pressure leads to better cardiovascular health, and can help, along with a healthy diet, maintain this cardiovascular health throughout life."
This paper summarizes and critiques an article about exercise physiology entitled "Effects of Moderate Exercise on Metabolic Responses and Respiratory Exchange Ration (RER)" by Toda, et. al.
Abstract This paper reviews an article that describes a study on exercise physiology and its relation to insulin resistance. The review presents the aim and hypothesis of the article in Part I. Part II of the paper consists of a critique and evaluation of the scientific merit of the study. The review concludes that the rationale for designing a study to probe the question of how much exercise and at what level is required in order to facilitate fatty acid utilization, was well founded.
Outline
Part I: Summary
Part II: Critique
From the Paper "The hypothesis of the study is that fatty acids are available for energy even following short-term exercise (109). In other words, the authors designed this study to test the notion that fatty acid utilization could be increased even following lower levels of physical exertion and exercise. If this proved to be the case, then it would open up an incredible wealth of exercise methods and regiments for counteracting insulin resistance."
