Document Type
Capstone
Abstract
The occurrence of work-related shoulder and neck injuries is on the rise for computer workers due to extended work hours, fewer breaks, and repetitive movements involving neck rotation, shoulder movement, and awkward posture. The individual's workstation and environment's design play a key role contributing to neck and shoulder injuries. An occupational therapist is equipped with the knowledge and skills to modify and adapt a person's workstation and improve their shoulder and neck pain or injuries. The capstone project's purpose was developed to identify risk factors, promote an occupational therapy ergonomic intervention program, suggest workstation and environment modification/adaptations, and promote posture reeducation and stress relieving exercises. This study utilized a pre-and post-survey with an occupational therapy ergonomic intervention handout. The pre-survey questionnaire focused on questions pertaining to the knowledge of occupational therapy ergonomic interventions, how to adapt a desk workstation, how to implement posture reeducation strengthening and stretching exercises, and if occupational therapy would be beneficial in the workplace to address ergonomic interventions. The handout consisted of a diagram on how to adapt a desk workstation, and posture reeducation, strengthening and stretching exercises. The post-survey questionnaire pertained to the handouts to see if they provided useful ergonomic interventions for a desk workstation, increased occupational therapist knowledge on how to adapt a desk workstation, implement posture reeducation, strengthening and stretching exercises. The project results support the use of an occupational therapy ergonomic intervention program for individuals having a desk job in preventing shoulder and neck injuries.
Publication Date
4-12-2021
Recommended Citation
Hege, Kristy, "An Occupational Therapy Approach to Ergonomic Intervention" (2021). MOT Student Capstones. 56.
https://riches.cabarruscollege.edu/mot-student-capstones/56