1. Custom Ergonomic Workstation Group 3 Jim Herbst Jr. BME 272/273 2001-2002 2 nd Oral Presentation 2/27/02 Dr. Paul King Dr. Ed Glaser

2. Objectives Design and prototype the first complete one-piece fully customized ergonomic workstation Invent a casting process which can be administered in a doctor’s office Reduce office injuries related to a sedentary lifestyle

3. Market Potential Growing amount of computer-based jobs Growing amount of posture-related injuries Growing awareness of ergonomics

4. Revised Target Market Those who spend 4 hours of more at a computer each workday Individuals who have serious back problems Individuals who frequent chiropractor

5. Thoughts From 1 st Oral List problems of current chairs Insurance issues Biomechanics goal S-Curve

6. Problems of Current Chairs Most users are not educated to take advantage of adjustments Generic seat designs do not suite the individual

7. Insurance Regulations Resident chiropractor noted that there should not be a problem with coverage Those who are interested in chair will be willing to pay since they have invested much money into their back already

8. Habitual Posture Influences kinesthetic awareness Sitting posture – Stretches shoulder blades and back – Shortens chest, hips, and shoulders “Normal” posture places low back in a lordosis

9. Biomechanical Goal Provide therapeutic benefit Reduce muscle energy expenditure Place back in a neutral alignment

10. Anatomy of the Back Normal curvature is S-shaped Curvature can deviate due to muscular imbalance 80% Americans have faced low back pain Ages 25-60 have highest probability to complain

11. Posture and Muscle Imbalance Muscular imbalances manifest themselves in a person’s posture and alignment Neutral alignment is best equipped to deal with external stress and strain Neutral alignment results in the least amount of muscle energy

12. Postural Deviations MalalignmentTight MusclesWeak Muscles LordosisLower back, hip flexors Abdominals, hip extensors Flat-backUpper abdominals, hip extensors Lower back, hip flexors Sway-backUpper abdominals, hip flexors Obliques, hip extensors KyphosisInternal obliques, intercostals, shoulder adductors Erector spinae, scapular adductors Forward HeadCervical extensors trapezius Neck flexors

13. Classic Postural Deviations Kyphosis-lordosis –Increase in inward curvature of low back –Outward curvature of thoracic spine Flat back –Decrease in normal inward curve of low back –Pelvis in a posterior tilt Sway-back –Long, outward curvature of thoracic spine Scoliosis –Lateral curve of spine

14. Lordosis: A Closer Look

15. What We’ve Done So Far Patent search Internet search Brainstorming casting techniques Creation of primary casting prototype Creation of secondary casting prototype 1 st seat prototype

16. Creation of Secondary Casting Prototype Fix mistakes of first prototype More comfort Better posture

17. First Prototype of Chair Back

18. Chair Back Cont.

19. Future Work Pad chair Attach Legs Attach Arms Comfort Test Revise Create Compatible Workstation

20. Works Cited www.ergonomic-solutions.com/p_seat.html www.infinn.com/infopack.html www.prbofficeinteriors.com/aeron/aeronde sign.htm http://condor.depaul.edu/~atamulis/ergo- 4.html www.ergoboy.com/ergo_for/office.php http://www.patientfixation.com/productty pes/custom-molded-body-cushions.asp