2) Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi, 2000, Jan; 42(1):6-16, written by Koda S, Yasuda N., Sugihara Y., Ohara H., Udo H., Otani T., Hisashige A., Ogawa T., Toyama H., Kochi Medical School, Department of Public Health, Japan:
The above-mentioned study was a questionnaire survey which analyzed work-related health problems among truck drivers.
“134 local truck drivers, 199 long-distance truck drivers, and 71 clerical workers were analyzed. . .The prevalence rates of work factors affecting health problems of truck drivers were significantly higher than those of clerical workers in the items on irregular shift work, working environment, working posture, handling heavy materials, job stress due to overloading and working time, and limited time off.
The prevalence rates for subjective symptoms (ringing in the ears, neck pain, and low back pain) and present illnesses (hypertension, ulcers in the digestive tract, back injuries, whiplash injuries and hemorrhoids) among truck driers were significantly higher than those of clerical workers.”
I was a court reporter for 10 years and spent most of my time in very uncomfortable chairs. As a result, I spent years researching seating and submitted two patent applications: "The Carpal Tunnel Chair,” and "The Pillow with Cantilever Supports," which was granted and became The Buttpillow®.
Subsequently, The Buttpillow® was improved upon as it was determined different embodiments were needed for proper ergonomic positioning depending on the individual sitter.
The Patented "Ergonomic Seating Cushion,” was was granted by the USPTO; and was later amended to include an embodiment specifically to help women maintain the natural curve of their lumbar spine during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. An extreme lumbar curve that restricts blood flow to the fetus is the only external risk factor for low birth weight babies.
Subsequently, in 2003, I invented Ergosoft™ break reminder software based on OSHAs Ergonomic Standard so people can identify and minimize ergonomic risk factors for the development of sitting-related pain, eye strain, DVT and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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