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December 2004

ERGONOMIC PROGRAM RECEIVES GOVERNOR'S AWARD

When starting a new job that requires using a computer all day, most people concentrate on learning the specific skills of the job at hand, but what about proper ergonomics and, more important, stress management techniques that can prevent repetitive strain injuries? A program at San Francisco State University, San Francisco, called the Ergonomic Safety Program, addresses the importance of healthy computing habits and was recently presented with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Employee Safety Award. The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to safety on the job in state service.

"The mainstream response to poor computing habits is usually treated with ergonomics; however, this is insufficient," says Erik Peper, professor and director at the Institute of Holistic Healing Studies, who helped develop the program. "Employees can be in the best body position but they can still be uptight."

According to Peper, most people who have neck and shoulder problems are suffering from stress immobilization syndrome, which causes people to breathe rapidly, forget to blink, and tense their muscles without knowing. The unique aspect of the Ergonomic Safety Program is that it uses physiological monitoring to show that muscles do not completely relax when people think they are relaxed during a break.

The program uses biofeedback monitors that gauge unnecessary and excessive muscle tension in the arms, wrists, shoulders, and neck, which often occur while computing. Participants learn how a workstation should be set up to avoid strain on the muscles and eyes. Healthy habits, such as proper breathing, are also covered. The 6-week program has been offered every spring since 2002. More than 150 employees have participated in the program so far. In 2-hour-per-week training sessions, participants learn the knowledge and skills to train others in their workplace.

In addition to better employee health, companies benefit by decreased worker's compensation claims. In one of Peper's studies, a 9-month follow-up showed that company departments with coaches trained to teach other employees about computing health had no workers' compensation claims.

After participants have completed the training, the Ergonomic Safety Program team conducts follow-up visits once a month under supervision.

"We want to teach people how to take care of themselves," says Peper. "We are teaching people to become more aware of their discomfort earlier by showing them simple intervention techniques they can do themselves and then share it with others."

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Tai Chi and Yoga Attract Seniors

With benefits ranging from lowered blood pressure to better sleep, Tai Chi and yoga exercise programs are attracting a high number of seniors. Once considered exotic, Tai Chi and yoga have now become part of the curriculum in many senior centers.

Both Tai Chi and yoga promote increased flexibility, toned muscles, and better concentration. In a 1996 study conducted at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, seniors who took part in a 15-week tai chi program reduced their risk of falling by more than 47%. The research looked at 200 people age 70 and older, and also found that Tai Chi participants took more deliberate steps and walked slightly more slowly than those who were not part of the program.

The increased interested in mind-body exercises among seniors has led to traditional fitness gyms, such as Gold's Gym, to offer senior-friendly yoga and Pilates exercise classes.

Aromatherapy Lessens Memory of Pain
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine shows that the pleasant scent of essential oils may help make a person's memory of pain less bitter. Although aromatherapy does not dull the body's physical response to pain, it helps to tone down recollected experiences of pain.

For the study, 26 adults sat through three uncomfortable situations after aromatherapy sessions with inhaled lavender or rosemary oils. During the procedures, participants identified the moment when they first felt pain and when the pain became intolerable. Physical responses were also gauged, through measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol, the stress hormone.

Results showed that while the aromatherapy did not change pain tolerance, or hormonal and nervous system responses to pain, it reduced participants' memory of painful procedures.

Acupuncture Benefits Knee Osteoarthritis Recovery
Acupuncture, the use of needles on a predefined set of points, is rising in popularity as an adjunctive treatment method for osteoarthritis. When used in conjunction with medical treatment, acupuncture helps to reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, according to new research presented at the recent American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Antonio, Tex.

A 26-week, randomized controlled study looked at 570 patients (whose average age was 65.5 years) with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were divided into three groups that underwent either traditional Chinese acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or participation in the Arthritis Self-Help Course, while continuing their regular medical regimen. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group received 23 treatments from licensed, trained, and certified acupuncturists. Patients in the education group took part in 2-hour group sessions for 12 weeks. All patients were told to continue regular analgesic or anti-inflammatory treatment as needed. Arthritis pain and function levels were compared to the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, a questionnaire used to measure pain, function, and stiffness of the knee.

Results after 26 weeks showed that patients in the traditional acupuncture group experienced a greater decrease in pain subscores and improvement in function subscores than the patients in the sham acupuncture and education groups.

INDUSTRY WATCH

Sunrise Medical Expands Seating Market Share

Mike Hammes

Sunrise Medical, Carlsbad, Calif, recently announced its acquisition of three seating and positioning manufacturers, Adaptive Equipment Systems (AES), RehabiliTech Inc, and Whitmyer Biomechanix Inc-gaining market share in the specialized seating industry.

"Sunrise Medical has been on a journey since the company went private in 2000 to continue its mission to improve people's lives through high-quality, innovative products," said Mike Hammes, chairman and CEO of Sunrise Medical. "We will not stop staying focused on this mission, and in fact, AES, RehabiliTech, and Whitmyer are also passionate and committed to this mission themselves."

Sunrise Medical estimates that AES, Whitmyer, and RehabiliTech represent roughly 20% to 30% of the high-end configured seating and positioning market. The three companies operate in a niche market and will now be able to leverage the strengths of Sunrise Medical, including the company's engineering abilities for new product development. With the obtainment of AES, RehabiliTech and Whitmyer, Sunrise will have the opportunity to combine the complementary product lines of all four companies, and provide the dealer network and end users with one point of contact, reducing redundant billing and ordering. In the future, Sunrise Medical intends to begin designing seating and mobility products as an integrated unit, while continuing the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the three individual companies.

AES, which has locations in Baltimore, San Francisco, and Seattle, was founded in 1993 and produces the Li'l Kiddos line of pediatric hardware and seating, SculptureFit custom-molded seating, and the ComforFit line of soft secondary supports. RehabiliTech, Kansas City, Kan, which was founded in 1994, manufactures simulator-free ShurShape custom-molded seating, as well as the Focus Point line of wheelchair back cushions. Whitmyer Biomechanix, Tallahassee, Fla, was established in 1989 and produces head support systems and accessories, which include products that provide suboccipital support, dynamic forehead support, and lateral facial position.

Getinge Acquires BHM Medical
Getinge AB, Getinge, Sweden, a provider of equipment, services, and technologies for infection control, operating theaters, patient hygiene, and wound care, has acquired BHM Medical Inc, Quebec. BHM will serve as Getinge's competence center for ceiling hoist lifters.

BHM develops and distributes patient handling equipment for the hospital, nursing home, and home care health care segment primarily in North America. The company holds 25% of the global market share for ceiling lifters. BHM's distribution network will utilize the extensive sales and service network of ARJO Inc, Roselle, Ill, another Getinge company. Annual revenues for BHM during 2003-2004 were approximately $28 million.

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