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WO1997041775A1 - Procede d'evaluation, de reduction et de traitement des blessures - Google Patents

Procede d'evaluation, de reduction et de traitement des blessures Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997041775A1
WO1997041775A1 PCT/US1997/007812 US9707812W WO9741775A1 WO 1997041775 A1 WO1997041775 A1 WO 1997041775A1 US 9707812 W US9707812 W US 9707812W WO 9741775 A1 WO9741775 A1 WO 9741775A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
task
job
individual
data
injured
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1997/007812
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald R. Mcintyre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Interlogics Inc
Original Assignee
Interlogics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interlogics Inc filed Critical Interlogics Inc
Priority to AU28321/97A priority Critical patent/AU2832197A/en
Publication of WO1997041775A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997041775A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1116—Determining posture transitions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1124—Determining motor skills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2503/00—Evaluating a particular growth phase or type of persons or animals
    • A61B2503/20—Workers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6823—Trunk, e.g., chest, back, abdomen, hip

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method for reducing and managing injuries. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel method for reducing and managing injuries, particularly incidents of job-related injury in a workplace, and effectively managing injured individuals by linking industrial and clinical aspects.
  • the diagnosis and treatment typically involves no objective measurements of the functional requirements for performing the musculoskeletal movements which the worker engages in on a day-to-day basis at the work site, and perhaps which caused the injury.
  • the pronouncement by the health care professional that the worker has recovered from the injury does not entail an analysis and evaluation of the functional ability of the worker to perform the musculoskeletal movements required at the work site or a comparison of the workers post-injury functional ability to perform that required musculoskeletal movement with the objective, predetermined functional requirements of that musculoskeletal movement.
  • the clinical evaluation is therefore essentially independent of any analysis of the musculoskeletal movements required to be performed at the work site.
  • U.S. Design Patent No. 304,964 providing design protection to an apparatus manufactured by Isotechnologies, Corp. of Hillsborough, North Carolina and marketed under the name "ISOSTATION B-200" which is designed for testing lower back movement of an individual and can simultaneously - 4 - measure range of motion, torque and velocity in three (3) planes of movement, rotation, lateral flexion, and flexion/extension.
  • ISOSTATION B-200 is an expensive and massive apparatus requiring that an individual to be tested by it travel to the apparatus, usually located in a clinic, rather than bringing the apparatus to an individual for testing. Additionally, the
  • ISOSTATION B-200 cannot be used to measure the ability of an individual to perform a specific task required by a job.
  • data regarding incidence, nature and severity of job-related injuries can be gathered and analyzed to identify jobs having a high or increased risk of injury associated therewith.
  • Data regarding jobs identified with a high or increased risk of injury associated therewith can be gathered and analyzed to identify characteristics of jobs having high or increased risks of injury.
  • This analysis can also be used to identify specific job tasks likely to cause injury and to flag workplace hazards as well as unsafe worker behavior.
  • This analysis further provides a detailed job description and identifies at least one particular job having an increased risk of job-related injury associated therewith.
  • Data regarding the specific tasks identified can then be gathered and analyzed to precisely define potentially injurious task characteristics by utilizing a portable device for measuring one or more predetermined characteristics of the tasks.
  • a task-specific protocol can be generated using the information thus obtained, and the task-specific protocol can be used to screen individual workers. This screening comprises gathering data during the screening process and analyzing the data to determine whether a given individual worker has the functional ability to engage in the one or more predetermined characteristics sufficient for performance of the selected task.
  • Data regarding ergonomics intervention can be collected and analyzed whereby workplace re-engineering services can be provided in an effort to reduce risks of injury by ergonomic intervention.
  • Data regarding specific job tasks can also be gathered and analyzed to provide a recommended training program in which individual workers can engage in an effort to reduce risks of job-related injuries.
  • baseline data for an individual can be generated identifying the functional status of the individual regarding movements associated with a standard protocol. This can be accomplished by using a portable measuring device in accordance with this invention for measuring one or more predetermined characteristics of one or more movements associated with a standardized protocol.
  • a restraint system can be utilized to isolate the movements.
  • objective measurements regarding the injured individual can be gathered using a portable measuring device according to this invention to measure one or more predetermined characteristics of one or more movements associated with the standardized protocol. These measurements can be analyzed to identify the functional status of the injured individual with respect to the movements of the standardized protocol utilized. This functional status can be compared to the previously determined functional status resulting from analysis of the baseline data to determine any functional loss of ability of the injured individual regarding movements associated the standardized protocol utilized.
  • data regarding rehabilitation effectiveness can be gathered by again utilizing a portable measuring device in accordance with this invention and a restraint system. This data can then be analyzed to determine the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of any rehabilitation efforts concerning the injured individual.
  • Data regarding return-to-work readiness of the injured individual can be gathered by again utilizing a portable measuring device in accordance with this invention but by measuring one or more predetermined characteristics associated with a specific task to which the injured individual would return at work during performance of the task by the injured individual. This data can be analyzed to determine whether the injured individual is ready to return to work to perform the specific task.
  • the present invention strategically utilizes computer means and provides a method for gathering data at a workplace and a clinic whereby the data can be transferred to a central processing facility for evaluation and analysis by select professionals.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device utilized in accordance with the present invention.
  • a system or method for health care cost containment which promotes injury prevention and management while providing an industrial and clinical link.
  • Job-related functional requirements and injuries can be evaluated while specifically utilizing data regarding one or more job tasks associated with the injuries and/or one or more movements associated with a standardized protocol.
  • the method of this invention can be utilized for determining a task-specific protocol which can be used to screen individuals as to their ability or disability to perform a selected task required by a job.
  • baseline data can be generated for an individual, and injury data can be generated for an injured individual.
  • An analysis and comparison of the baseline data and the injury data can be made to determine or assess treatment efficacy and any functional loss of ability of an individual regarding predetermined movements associated with a standardized protocol.
  • the present invention advantageously links the arenas of the workplace and the health care clinic as the method of the invention provides a data gathering system which can be used substantially interchangeably in the workplace and the health care clinic through the use of portable devices for measuring predetermined aspects of selected movements. Data regarding the functional requirements of one or more selected movements as well as the functional status of a worker can be gathered unintrusively at the workplace. In the event of an injury, rehabilitation efforts can be evaluated and a determination can be made as to whether an injured worker is ready to return to work. This determination can now be made with a clear understanding of the job requirements and the worker's pre-injury and post-injury functional statuses.
  • the methodology of this invention can be utilized by both industry and health care providers.
  • the data gathered at a workplace in accordance with this invention is preferably gathered by trained technicians.
  • data gathered by the trained technicians can be transferred to a central processing facility at which a small number of select professionals can be made available in order to analyze data collected by the technicians, issue reports, and provide expert intervention and treatment guidance.
  • This system is cost-effective in that it leverages professional input, insures consistency in protocols, insures the accuracy and speed of interpretation of data, facilitates coordination of several cost containment activities, and can centrally archive data. Aggregate data collected at the central processing facility for hundreds and perhaps thousands of individuals can serve as a valuable database for comparative and analytical purposes described herein.
  • the method of the present invention is preferably initiated in the workplace by evaluating jobs and job tasks as to their safety as well as potential risk of injury.
  • This step is preferably initiated by utilizing a computer and Injury/Incidence Data Collection software, commercially available from interLogics, Inc. in Hillsborough, North Carolina (hereinafter referred to as "InterLogics"), to gather data at a workplace regarding the incidence, nature and severity of job-related injuries.
  • the computer utilized for this as well as subsequently described method steps is preferably at least a 486/DX level computer. Workplace injury records such as OSHA 200 logs from the workplace are specifically collected, and medical records can also be collected at the workplace.
  • These records can be entered into a computer at the workplace or any other location by any conventional means of data entry such as manual inputting or scanning using the Injury/Incidence Data Collection software, commercially available from InterLogics.
  • the data gathered can be transferred to a central processing facility where it can be analyzed by select professionals using Injury/Incidence Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to identify jobs with a high or increased risk of injury and other identifiable trends among injured workers.
  • the transfer of data can be by any conventional means such as electronic transfer or physical transfer of the data.
  • Job Data Collection software commercially available from InterLogics. While analyzing job data traditionally has been accomplished by manual methods, the job data gathered in accordance with this invention can be transferred, such as by conventional means, to a central processing facility where it can be analyzed by select professionals using Job Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, which provides a computerized "time and motion" and workplace hazard study process. This process identifies characteristics of jobs having an increased risk of injury associated therewith, identifies specific job tasks that are likely to cause injury and flags workplace hazards which increase the risk of injury and unsafe worker behavior. This process also provides detailed job descriptions of the jobs analyzed.
  • the job data can include, for example, the following:
  • Posture data including sustained postures, improper sitting positions and orientation information for ankles, hips, lower back, shoulders, wrists, neck and elbow in positions including flexion, extension, pure rotation, medial rotation, lateral rotation, abduction, adduction, supination, pronation, inversion, eversion, hyperextension, lateral bending, elevation, internal rotation, external rotation, sitting and standing
  • Repetition hazards data including constant work cycles, lack of stretching and heavy duty cycles
  • Vibration hazards data including exposure, lower lumbar jolts and body vibration Fatigue hazards data, including abnormal speech patterns flagging and worker behavior changes such as, for example, looking for resting places and rubbing body parts used in performing a task
  • Environmental hazards data including flagging for hot or cold extremes, wetness, slippery conditions, sharp edges, noise, and obstructions
  • Tool/equipment hazard data pertaining to tools and/or equipment utilized during performance of a task
  • Tasks identified Data regarding the tasks identified can then be gathered and analyzed to precisely define hazardous or potentially injurious task characteristics. Gathering of task data is preferably accomplished by utilizing Task
  • InterLogics and by measuring, preferably at the workplace, one or more predetermined characteristics of one or more tasks required by each identified job using a portable measuring device comprising means for measuring the predetermined characteristics.
  • a portable measuring device comprising means for measuring the predetermined characteristics.
  • An example of one such device which can be used in this manner is the B-TRACKERTM device, commercially available from InterLogics, which can be used to measure various aspects of back movement, as discussed further hereinbelow.
  • This measurement data can then be transferred to a central processing facility for analysis by select professionals utilizing Task Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to precisely define characteristics of the previously identified tasks, which characteristics have an increased risk of injury associated therewith.
  • Each hazardous task characteristic identified in accordance with this invention requires that an individual engage in or perform a predetermined characteristic for successful performance of the hazardous task characteristic.
  • This predetermined characteristic can comprise practically any measurable aspect relating to the individual performing or attempting to perform the hazardous task characteristic, such as prolonged and awkward postures and repetitive movements, and is thus particularly suitable for an aspect relating to musculoskeletal movement and/or anatomical conditions pertaining thereto. Displacement, torque, force, velocity and acceleration related to a selected musculoskeletal movement in one or more planes of movement are particularly suitable for the predetermined characteristic, although it can be appreciated that other aspects regarding an individual performing the hazardous task characteristic could also be suitable for the predetermined characteristic. Whatever aspects are used to define the predetermined characteristic, the portable measuring device is designed for objectively measuring the predetermined characteristic.
  • the predetermined characteristic can comprise one or more aspects of the musculoskeletal movement. These can be angular displacements, angular velocities and angular accelerations of back movement, particularly lower back movement, in the three (3) planes or axes of movement of the back, which are rotation, lateral flexion, and flexion/extension.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates portable measuring device 10 which is a device capable of measuring back movement in this manner and which is preferably utilized according to the method of this invention when the selected job task involves back movement.
  • Device 10 is preferably the B-TRACKERTM device manufactured by InterLogics for use with the present inventive method described herein.
  • Device 10 can easily be worn on the back of an individual so as not to impede performance of typical work tasks as shown in Figure 1 where a shoulder harness 12 and waist belt 14 to which device 10 is attached are worn by the individual.
  • Measurements made of musculoskeletal movement by device 10 can be entered into a computer wherein the data can enter a computer algorithm that is used to filter all movement data. This filtering is critical to accurately monitor the actual selected musculoskeletal movement.
  • device 10 utilizes motion detection hardware including potentiometers to generate simultaneous measurement signals.
  • the motion detection device monitors three (3) dimensional orientation of a vertical structure by measuring movement of a vertical structure 16 maintained in position substantially parallel to the individual's spine and which is movable simultaneously in three (3) dimensions.
  • Vertical structure 16 advantageously incorporates only one (1) fixed rotation axis for movement about the flexion/extension axis thereby allowing the lateral flexion and rotation axes to move relative to each other and to the fixed flexion/extension axis.
  • device 10 allows the lateral flexion potentiometer to move with the plane of flexion, whereby lateral bending can be measured in this rotated plane.
  • a separate but electrically connected belt-loop computer data collection unit 18 can be used with device 10.
  • the data collection unit may be a ScoutTM device manufactured by InterLogics.
  • Unit 18 can collect the data as it is measured and store it in a PCMCIA RAM card for subsequent downloading to a computer such as a PC where the aforementioned computer algorithm can be applied to the data.
  • the RAM card can preferably hold up to two (2) megabytes of measurement data allowing for up to eleven (11) hours of cumulative workplace data collection.
  • the RAM card understandably allows for data gathered to be transferred out of the workplace as desired such as by actual transfer of the RAM card or even electronic transfer of the contents thereof.
  • unit 18 can be connected directly to an on-site computer to alleviate the need for storage of the data on a RAM card and wherein the data can be passed through the aforementioned computer algorithm as such data is collected. If desired, however, unit 18 can be directly connected to a computer to store the data as it is collected and the data can be subsequently transferred to a central processing facility where the computer algorithm can then first be applied.
  • Device 10 is extremely light weighing less than two
  • device 10 can make objective measurements as described of the individual's back movements made during performance by the individual of the one or more selected musculoskeletal movements.
  • This invention contemplates that devices other than the B-TRACKERTM can be used for gathering data in the manner taught herein regarding musculoskeletal movement, especially movement other than back movement. Such devices can be used for the neck and wrist and the like in addition to the back.
  • a task-specific protocol that can be used to test job candidates can be computer generated utilizing Task Screening Protocol Generation software commercially available from InterLogics. Candidates can then be screened "post-offer and pre-placement" using the task-specific protocol to determine whether or not the candidates are capable of performing the hazardous characteristics required for performance of the task.
  • Screening a job candidate preferably occurs at a workplace and can be easily accomplished by utilizing Task Screening software, commercially available from InterLogics, and a portable measuring device, such as device 10, according to this invention to gather protocol data by measuring one or more predetermined characteristics required by the selected task during performance by the job candidate of the selected task.
  • the portable measuring device is preferably connected directly to a computer containing the computer algorithm to filter the protocol data as it is collected.
  • the protocol data can then be sent to the central processing facility for analysis utilizing Task Screening Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to determine whether the job candidate has the functional ability to engage in the predetermined characteristics sufficient for performance of the selected task.
  • a given functional status of an individual can be compared to previously or even subsequently established functional statuses for that individual regarding a selected task and can be compared with the functional requirements for the task which can be established by the task-specific protocol.
  • the functional status of the job candidate is lower than the functional requirements, the job candidate lacks the functional ability to perform the selected task, and a probability of future injury during performance by the job candidate can be generated utilizing prospective study results.
  • This comparison will also indicate those job candidates who are least likely to become injured where the comparison shows that the functional ability of a particular job candidate is far above the functional requirements necessary to perform the selected task. Screening can therefore be conducted for healthy individuals as well as injured individuals.
  • This screening process which is based on the actual demands of a particular job, complies with the "Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990". After such screening has occurred, the screening results can be utilized to assign modified work or job tasks to an individual which he or she is capable of performing and to assign a conditioning program to the individual.
  • OSHA has already taken an active interest in this area proposing regulations that would require employers to monitor their employees for the presence of ergonomic related problems.
  • Data regarding ergonomic intervention can be gathered at the workplace utilizing Ergonomics Intervention Data Collection software, commercially available from InterLogics, and measurements provided from a portable measuring device, such as device 10, according to this invention. The measurements can be provided by steps identical to those utilized for the measurements used for task data collection.
  • the measurements can be transferred by conventional means to the central processing facility for analysis by ergonomists utilizing Ergonomics Intervention Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics. Cost effectiveness is promoted by replacing "professional” time with “technician” time while still insuring consistency and protocols in data interpretation.
  • the analysis of the data by ergonomists is made in an effort to make injurious tasks less likely to cause injury by making them more ergonomically correct. Analysis of the ergonomic data therefore enables the ergonomists to offer workplace re-engineering services to reduce risks of injury.
  • Training Program Data Collection software commercially available from InterLogics, and a portable measuring device according to this invention can be utilized to collect training program data.
  • the measurements can be obtained by steps identical to those utilized for the measurements used for task data collection.
  • This training data can be transferred to a central processing facility for analysis utilizing
  • Training Program Analysis software commercially available from InterLogics, to identify at least one training program which can be implemented in an effort to reduce risks of job-related injury. Risks of injury can therefore be reduced by ergonomic intervention and training program implementation, for example, by correcting hazardous lifting techniques, encouraging other productive non-injurious workplace behaviors, and teaching workers how to recognize and respond to potentially hazardous situations.
  • baseline testing can be conducted by generating baseline data for one or more members of the population identified as being at risk.
  • standardized protocols include: flexibility tests for the axes of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation; dynamic tests about the axes of flexion/extension; lateral flexion and rotation; trunk circumduction in both directions; and simulated lifting tests with and without instructions.
  • this measurement data is collected from a non-injured, healthy individual during implementation of the standardized protocol.
  • the measurement data can be gathered either at a workplace or at a clinic, but is preferably gathered at a workplace.
  • the portable measuring device is preferably connected directly to a computer, such as a laptop computer, alleviating the need for use of a RAM card.
  • the computer monitor display ensures protocol compliance and provides the subject with performance biofeedback.
  • the portable measuring device is directly connected to a computer, and the measurement data passed through the computer algorithm discussed above. The calibrated data can then be transferred for analysis to a central processing facility.
  • a restraint system is preferably simultaneously used during baseline testing during collection of the measurement data for isolating the predetermined characteristics during performance of the standardized protocol.
  • the restraint system utilized is preferably portable and universal such that it is adaptable for use to assist in measuring a variety of predetermined characteristics of movement which may be required for performance of a standardized protocol.
  • Use of the restraint system is particularly suitable when the predetermined characteristic of movement involves musculoskeletal movement, where the restraint system can comprise any conventional structure or method for partially or totally isolating the musculoskeletal movement or movements of concern.
  • the measurement data is transferred by conventional means to the central processing facility for analysis by professionals utilizing Baseline Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to generate baseline data which identifies the normative or baseline functional requirements for performance of the standardized protocol.
  • This baseline data reflects the objective, functional status of the individual regarding the standardized protocol at a healthy, non-injured time.
  • the baseline data utilized in accordance with the method of this invention can be used to determine the precise nature and extent of changes in the functional status of the worker regarding a standardized protocol.
  • the baseline data can also be used for determining when a worker has recovered back to his or her pre-injury functional status regarding a standardized protocol. If the status has not or cannot be achieved, the baseline data can be instrumental in determining the exact extent of the injured individual's disability or impairment.
  • the baseline data can be used in the diagnosis and therapy in an effort to avoid serious and debilitating problems associated with the injury, and can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment programs. As can be understood, the baseline data further provides workers with a powerful disincentive against filing fraudulent workers compensation and disability claims.
  • the method of this invention can be used to evaluate loss of functional ability of the worker.
  • an injured worker is tested as to his or her functional status regarding one or more predetermined characteristics of movements associated with a standardized protocol. Although this testing can occur at a workplace, it is preferred that testing of the injured worker occur at a clinic since a hands-on evaluation of the injured worker can be made by health care professionals in addition to testing utilizing a device according to the method of this invention. Objective measurements are made at a clinic of the injured worker with a portable measuring device, such as device 10, and while utilizing a restraint system as discussed above.
  • Such measurements are preferably made and collected just as the measurements for the baseline data were made and collected at the workplace and utilizing Injury Data Collection software, commercially available from InterLogics. This enables the health care professionals to diagnose, treat, and make decisions regarding an injured worker with the assistance of objective data.
  • the measurements of the injured worker can, as with the measurements used for the baseline data, be transferred to a central processing facility where professionals can analyze them utilizing Injury Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to generate injury data which identifies the functional status of the injured worker with respect to the standard protocol. This can be used to compare the injured worker to healthy individuals and even specific populations, such as low back pain populations. This functional status can also be compared to the previously determined functional status regarding the particular worker and the standardized protocol to determine if the worker has suffered any functional loss of ability to perform or engage in the standardized protocol. If, as suspected with an injured worker, a functional loss is determined to exist, the comparison according to the method of this invention also indicates the extent of such functional loss of ability.
  • Injury Analysis software commercially available from InterLogics
  • Subsequent testing of the injured worker can be performed to determine the effectiveness of therapy by tracking the recovery process.
  • This can be conducted in a clinic and accomplished by utilizing Rehabilitation Effectiveness Data Collection software, commercially available from InterLogics, and using a portable measuring device, such as device 10, in conjunction with a restraint system just as the measurements for the baseline data were collected.
  • These measurements can likewise be transferred to a central processing facility and then analyzed using Rehabilitation Effectiveness Analysis software, commercially available from InterLogics, to generate rehabilitation data identifying the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
  • the rehabilitation data can likewise objectively determine the point at which the worker has fully recovered to his or her pre-injury functional status regarding the standardized protocol.
  • the injured worker suspected to -28- have recovered can be screened as to his or her functional ability to perform the specific task to which the injured worker would return to work to perform. This can easily be accomplished by using Return-To-Work Readiness Data Collection software, commercially available from InterLogics, and a portable measuring device, such as device 10, in accordance with the steps described above used for task screening.
  • This data can, as with task screening, be transferred to a central processing facility and analyzed by using Return-To-Work Readiness software, commercially available from InterLogics, to determine whether the injured worker has the functional ability to perform the specific task and any extent thereof . If the injured worker is found to be functionally unable to perform the specific task, the analyzed data can be used to assign different, suitable job tasks to the injured worker.
  • An objective of a .program implemented for managing acute injuries is to begin the appropriate treatment regimens as early as possible in an effort to prevent any injuries from becoming chronic.
  • a preferred program for managing acute injuries contains costs by selecting appropriate treatment protocols, maintaining periodic contact with the injured worker, accurately tracking recovery progress, and objectively documenting the worker's return to pre-injury status.
  • An objective of a program for managing chronic injuries understandably is to return the worker to the workplace as soon as possible since statistics have shown that the longer an injured individual is away from the job, the less likely it is that he or she will ever return.
  • the present invention provides a novel system for health care cost containment promoting injury prevention and management as well as post-injury evaluation and management and which provides an industrial and clinical link allowing job-related injuries to be evaluated with specific regard to one or more tasks associated with the injuries and/or a standardized protocol.
  • the causes of job-related injuries and populations at a workplace with increased risks of injuries can advantageously be identified, and the work environment can be made safer by an objective and practical approach to reduce job-related injuries.
  • Data can advantageously be gathered from an individual unintrusively at a workplace while the individual performs his or her assigned job.
  • the method of the present invention alleviates the need for involvement of a high number of professionals by allowing data gathered at a workplace to be analyzed by a small number of select health care professionals that can be located at a central processing facility. It will be understood that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation as the invention is defined by the following, appended claims.

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Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un procédé de détermination d'un protocole spécifique à la tâche visant à analyser la capacité fonctionnelle d'un indivdu à s'engager dans une caractéristique prédéterminée pour effectuer une tâche sélectionnée; à identifier un travail particulier présentant un risque de blessure accru, ainsi qu'une tâche dangereuse due à la nature du travail à l'aide d'un dispositif (10) de mesure portable qui permet de mesurer une caractéristique prédéterminée de la tâche dangereuse effectuée par un individu sur son lieu de travail. Cette mesure est ensuite analysée au niveau d'une installation de traitement centrale par un professionnel qui identifie la tâche dangereuse. Un protocole spécifique à la tâche peut être généré et utilisé pour sélectionner des individus présentant une capacité fonctionnelle à effectuer une tâche dangereuse. Le dispositif de mesure portable peut être également utilisé pour générer des données de ligne de base et mesurer une caractéristique prédéterminée du mouvement isolé associé à un protocole standardisé d'un individu en bonne santé. Il est ainsi possible d'évaluer l'état fonctionnel, le processus de rééducation et de guérison d'un individu blessé en effectuant une comparison avec des données de référence.
PCT/US1997/007812 1996-05-07 1997-05-07 Procede d'evaluation, de reduction et de traitement des blessures Ceased WO1997041775A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU28321/97A AU2832197A (en) 1996-05-07 1997-05-07 Method for evaluating, reducing and managing injuries

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64607996A 1996-05-07 1996-05-07
US08/646,079 1996-05-07

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WO1997041775A1 true WO1997041775A1 (fr) 1997-11-13

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0943290A1 (fr) 1998-03-17 1999-09-22 Robert Christiaan Van Lummel Méthode de mesure et de l'indication des limites des mouvements pendant les activités quotidiens
WO2016054604A1 (fr) * 2014-10-03 2016-04-07 Durant & Ziobro, Llc Procédés et systèmes de réhabilitation des opérateurs blessés
US11094419B2 (en) 2017-09-12 2021-08-17 Duro Health, LLC Sensor fusion of physiological and machine-interface factors as a biometric

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0943290A1 (fr) 1998-03-17 1999-09-22 Robert Christiaan Van Lummel Méthode de mesure et de l'indication des limites des mouvements pendant les activités quotidiens
NL1008619C2 (nl) * 1998-03-17 1999-10-01 Robert Christiaan Van Lummel Werkwijze voor het meten en aangeven van de mate waarin een persoon beperkt is in activiteiten van het dagelijks leven.
US6165143A (en) * 1998-03-17 2000-12-26 Van Lummel; R. C. Method for measuring and indicating the extent to which an individual is limited in daily life activities
WO2016054604A1 (fr) * 2014-10-03 2016-04-07 Durant & Ziobro, Llc Procédés et systèmes de réhabilitation des opérateurs blessés
US10664935B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2020-05-26 Duro Health, LLC Methods and systems for rehabilitating injured operators
US11094419B2 (en) 2017-09-12 2021-08-17 Duro Health, LLC Sensor fusion of physiological and machine-interface factors as a biometric

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