Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1351516
54 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y The sound crew members with the most unique ergonomic challenges are boom operators. Working for extended periods with arms held overhead is unnatural for the human body. As takes get longer, injuries are increasing exponentially (I suffered a rotator cuff tear in 2018). Still, there have been many recent ergonomic innovations that, while not designed specifically for our industry, can also benefit boom operators. Devices known as exoskeletons are being used around the world in manufacturing, warehouse, and even in surgical settings. I have personally tested equipment from seven manufacturers. While some are better suited to our needs than others, the best can noiselessly assist in supporting the load of a fishpole boom with little impediment to mobility. I have written extensively on this subject and own an exoskeleton that has become part of my kit. While optimizing our work environments is a great start, even with the latest and greatest tools, we need to train and condition ourselves to optimize the ergonomic benefits. In this area, Dr. Smithson has a great deal of experience and will now share his thoughts. ACTIVE ERGONOMICS Since ergonomics at its heart is about optimizing efficiency of movement, there are ways we can combat certain movement patterns seen in the industry that are detrimental to that goal. Let's begin our deep dive into injury prevention by breaking down the concept of ergonomics. Before we speak about specifics, it's important to cover these tools and how they relate to optimizing your movement while you work. These tools that we can use to maximize our ergonomic efficiency include: Stretching, Strengthening, Posture, and Awareness STRETCHING AND ERGONOMICS What is it? The first thing most people think when the topic of injury prevention comes up is stretching. It may seem obvious, but it's important to clarify exactly what we mean when we talk about stretching. Stretching is the act of taking a muscle through its available range of motion to lengthen it. While stretching can be an incredibly useful tool for preventing injury, it only treats the symptom of the problem and not the root cause. Why is it important? As a general principle in physical therapy, tight muscles are caused by weak muscles. Muscles that are stretched and not strengthened will inevitably become tight again. (More information on strengthening in the next section.) You may be wondering why stretching your muscles is important if it does not address the origin of the problem. Stretching Strengthening L O W E R B O D Y S T R E T C H E S - 3 0 S H O L D S X 3 W W W . P E R F O R M A N C E X M E D I C I N E . C O M L O W E R B O D Y E X E R C I S E S - 1 5 R E P S X 3 S I T T O S T A N D ( B O X S Q U A T S ) L U N G E S S L O W B U R P E E S P I R I F O R M I S S T R E T C H L U N G E S S L O W B U R P E E S Important stretches that can apply to any job in the sound department. Doorway Stretch - A stretch of the chest muscles Trunk Rotation Stretch - A stretch of the lower back muscles Upper Trap Stretch - A stretch of the neck muscles that go down to the shoulders Scalene Stretch - A stretch of the neck muscles that attach to the chest Piriformis Stretch - A stretch of a muscle that sits under the glutes and rotates the hip