Treatment for locomotor system disorders

At the German Sport University in Cologne, the IQPR (Institute for Quality Assurance in Preventive Medicine and Rehabilitation) researches into the causes of locomotor system disorders and how to treat them. The scientists there are vehement supporters of an “active, ergodynamic office”. Even when working at a desk, people should be able to move about in a manner which is much more in line with their nature.

Read the study

Improving ergonomics – alternative office workplace concepts

Background
Despite undertaking only light physical activity and despite the supposed absence of ‘traditional’ risk factors for muscular and skeletal disorders, office workers are at particular risk of musculoskeletal problems.
(See Erika Zoike, Krankheitsarten [Types of Illness] 1997. Essen: Federal Association of Health Insurers, BKK BV, 1999.)

As a result, designing working conditions for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is of crucial importance.


The most frequent symptom pattern for the neck, shoulders and back include:

  • Painful limited mobility
  • Painful muscle groups
  • Painful tendon insertion points and changed movement patterns that can worsen the existing problems

(See Schwaninger, U., Thomas, C., Nibel, H., Menozzi, M., Läubli, T., Krüger, H.: Auswirkungen der Bildschirmarbeit auf Augen sowie Stütz- und Bewegungsapparat. [Effects of screen work on the eyes and musculoskeletal system.] Publication Series of the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety, Bremerhaven: Wirtschaftsverlag NW, 1991.)


The risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders are:

  • Inadequate work equipment and furniture
  • Unfavourable positioning of primary work tools (keyboard and screen)
  • Too long working in front of a screen
  • Too few changes to posture

In the age of the modern information and communication society, virtually ALL office and administration tasks are completed while sitting down. It has been scientifically proven that sitting is an ergonomically and orthopedically unfavourable position. Standing is the alternative. However, how you stand and what you stand on is important.


Standing on a hard surface

  • Standing on a hard surface requires significantly more energy than sitting, particularly due to the involvement of the large muscle groups in the thigh and buttock area
  • This results in more rapid fatigue
  • Standing on a hard surface for a long period of time puts strain on the hip joint
  • Because the leg-vein muscle pump is inactive, it can cause blood congestion in the vessels in the legs
  • This can result in venous disorders such as varicose veins and thrombosis


Standing on the soft, springy kyBounder mat

  • Standing on a soft surface activates the fine, deep layers of muscle to maintain balance
  • As a result, you are less fatigued, more focused and stress levels are reduced
  • It’s possible to alleviate back and neck pain

Read more on this topic: The kyBoot for heel spurs, back pain, vein problems, bunions