Overview of The LiftTrainer...

What is The LiftTrainer™?

The LiftTrainer™ is a fresh new approach to lifting instruction that incorporates many of the concepts used in behavioral modification and biofeedback conditioning. Unlike traditional back education which has typically focused on teaching the concepts behind good lifting techniques, The LiftTrainer™ focuses on and measures behavioral change. Essentially, The LiftTrainer™ uses biofeedback principles and behavior modification techniques, along with individualized coaching, to motivate and teach individuals lifting techniques that will minimize the stress placed on their spine while performing normal lifting activities.

How does The LiftTrainer™ work?

Each employee trained with The LiftTrainer™ is "wired-up" with sensors used to track their movements as lifts are performed. The LiftTrainer™ software uses the movement data and box weight data to instantaneously calculate the stress on the spine. The value of this stress is used as the "biofeedback" signal in that it controls the pitch of a tone heard by the trainee. The higher the instantaneous stress on the spine, the higher the pitch of the tone will be. It should be emphasized that the factors entering into this stress calculation go far beyond how much someone is bent over. The computed stress takes into account the three-dimensional lifting posture, the speed of the lifting motion, the amount of weight lifted, and how quickly the load and body is accelerated. In other words, the stress is determined using a full three-dimensional dynamic analysis of the lifting task computed 144 times per second. So as this stress changes throughout the lift, so does the pitch of the tone.

A coach works with each employee in a one-on-one training session.  First, the coach directs the employee’s attention to the relationship between his or her lifting behavior and the pitch of the tone. Second, the coach guides the trainee towards lifting behaviors that keeps the pitch of the tone, and the stress on the spine, as low as possible. The coach is supported in this endeavor with graphically presented data showing the peak spine stress from each of the trainee’s lifts. Thus, progress can be monitored throughout a training session.

How often is The LiftTrainer™ used?

Each employee receives five training sessions over a one-year period. The first two sessions occur within three to four weeks of each other. In each session lifting tasks representative of the employee’s normal work activities are performed.

Data from the first and last sets of lifts are used to evaluate performance improvement and retention. Those who show poor retention or little improvement in their spine stress levels may be scheduled for additional "remedial" sessions. The remaining three sessions are scheduled at quarterly intervals.

In summary, what are the main features of The LiftTrainer™?

       Biofeedback.

+     Individualized Coaching.

+     Objective and quantitative evaluation of performance improvements.

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=     Reduced spinal stress while lifting.