"Imprinted" Biomechanics in the Work Place

Biomechanics is the science field that originally appeared in the field of sports. It applies the laws of mechanics and physics to human performance, in order to gain a greater understanding of performance in athletic events through modeling, simulation and measurement. Biomechanics then gradually expanded to encompass any type of physical activity, including those performed in the work place.

Correct body biomechanics enables the body to safely and intelligently perform strenuous work tasks in an injury preventable manner. It is a fluid and reflexive behavior that is "imprinted" in the body. Imprinting means that psychological and physical experiences become incorporated in a professional's muscle memory actions. This not only occurs in all professionals athletes, but anyone who performs physical tasks, including high risk to injury personnel. Once correct biomechanics are aligned and applied, the body registers what "feels right" and "imprints" the behavior, thus injury free work performance becomes self-sustaining for the life of the employee.

It is critical that the correct body mechanics are taught as soon as possible, as it is very difficult to unlearn "bad habits". One a certain behavior has been done repeatedly, it too becomes "imprinted" into muscle memory, even if it is a bad behavior. To replace the undesired behavior, the old habits need to be unlearned first and replaced with the appropriate behavior.