Work Programs & Ergonomics

Question 1

Work Programs: Pre-Vocational (4)

Answer 1

Purpose:

1. evaluate ct readiness for work
2. eval ct factors
3. prepare ct for competitive or sheltered employment
4. assess general abilities before specific work skills

Question 2

Work Programs: Work Adjustment Component - Purpose? General & 8 specific

Answer 2

1. Can be included in pre-vocation or vocational program
2. Purpose: Learn & integrate work behaviors appropriate to an employee
   a. enthusiasm
   b. prob-solving
   c. adherence to safety rules
   d. promptness
   e. dress & personal hygiene
   f. attitudes towards co-workers, supervisors
   g. work tolerance
   h. job seeking skills

Question 3

Work Programs: Work Hardening - what is it?

Answer 3

A comprehensive restorative & reconditioning treatment process which uses real or simulated job tasks, along with strengthening & behavioral components, with the purpose of developing specific work skills for the performance of a specific job or work situation

Question 4

Work Programs: Work Hardening - goals? (5)

Answer 4

1. Attain optimal physical tolerance & ability to work
2. Maximize cognitive & psychosocial functioning
3. Develop appropriate worker behaviors
4. Increasing confidence/reducing fear of returning to work
5. Identify probs that may require replace in alternative employment

Question 5

Work Programs: Work Hardening - process? (3)

Answer 5

1. Job analysis
2. Work tolerance baseline (med hx, job descriptive/specifics, worker perception of job, pain assessment, physical assessment)
3. Individual work hardening plan (plan is individualized, & contains specific short-term & long-term goals), real or simulated work tasks, appropriate gradation of tasks, training in safety principles body mechanics, etc.

Question 6

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) AKA (3) & pathophysiology (general)

Answer 6

1. Musculoskeletal Disorder (MD)
2. Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI)
3. Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTM)
   Daily repetitive activities can create microscopic trauma to the muscles, tendons, & ligaments in the body

Question 7

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) & prevention

Answer 7

Compression of the median nerve
Preventative measures: use a neutral wrist, avoid repetitive wrist motions & refrain from supporting the weight of the arms against the wrist-rest or mouse rest.

Question 8

Medial Epicondylitis (AKA Golfer’s Elbow)

Answer 8

Microscopic tears in the common flexor tendon from overuse - caused by overuse of the muscles that bend the wrist such as operating the mouse with downward wrist motion & lifting with the palm up

Question 9

Lateral Epicondylitis (AKA Tennis Elbow)

Answer 9

Microscopic tears in the tendons that attach the muscles that extend the wrist at the elbow. Causes include backward swing in tennis, lifting with palms down, & bending the wrist backwards when operating the mouse or typing.