Hi David
Can't help you on this one, but there's lots of information about "exercise on the job" (so to speak) for injury prevention (VDT workers and so on).
See, for example:
Guo, L., Genaidy, A.M., Warm, J., Karwowski, W., and Hidalgo, J. 1992. Effects of jobsimulated
flexibility and strength=flexibility training protocols on maintenance
employees engaged in manual handling operations. Ergonomics, 35: 1103–1117.
Lee, K. et al. 1992. a review of physical exercises recommneded for VDU workers. Applied Ergonomics:22:117-123
Robert JJ et al. 1995. Effect of a work hardening programme on cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. Spine, 20:1187-1193
Some general principles for sedentary workers in static postures are:
Chronically shortened and tense muscles must be stretched and relaxed
The spine must be mobilised to reeuce compressive stress
Chronically stretched or relaxed muscles must be contracted or strengthened to maintain posture
Exercises must involve the lower limbs to promote venous return
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "David McFarlane" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 6:22 AM
Subject: Exercise Work-Breaks
Dear All,
In his book "Secrets of Soviet Sports Fitness and Training" (1987) Yessis
claimed that in much of the USSR exercise breaks replaced coffee breaks (p
22). He said that the Soviets believed that exercise work-breaks
could "improve productivity while enhancing physical and mental health" (ibid,
p 25). For a seamstress the exercise program was designed specifically to
reduce fatigue in the parts of the body used in the job and to move those
body parts that "remain completely inactive" during work. Similarly specific
programs were designed for secretaries, assembly workers and welders.
Unfortunately Yessis did not provide any references or further details about
the format of these Soviet "exercise work-breaks". Does anyone know
anything about them?
Regards,
David McFarlane MAppSc (Ergonomics)
Ergonomist, WorkCover NSW
Reference
Yessis, M, (1987), "Secrets of Soviet Sports Fitness and Training", [Arbor
House, NY], pp 22-25.
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