How ErgoMama’s inputs become the change we’re working toward — and how each piece connects back to the PEOP model and OTPF-4.
the problem this responds to
Postpartum musculoskeletal pain is nearly universal (up to 97% of new mothers report symptoms) yet only about a quarter of women receive any ergonomic education. ErgoMama exists to close that gap with free, evidence-anchored, occupation-based body-mechanics education.
inputs
What goes in
Doctoral student time (Erin Goodwin, OTD candidate)
Faculty mentorship (Dr. Cassandra Nelson & committee)
Peer-reviewed literature base (20+ sources)
PEOP model & OTPF-4 frameworks
USAHS academic resources
Web hosting & design tools
Community partnerships (clinics, classes)
activities
What we do
Literature synthesis on postpartum ergonomics
Content development anchored to PEOP + OTPF-4
Design of task-specific body-mechanics guidance
Creation of printable handouts, checklists, and short videos
Content review by OT and clinician stakeholders
Distribution through website, clinic partners, and QR-linked handouts
Iterative revision from user feedback
outputs
What gets produced
ErgoMama website with 17+ pages of maternal-facing content
Installable web app for phone home-screen access
Task-specific tip sections (6 major caregiving tasks)
Printable handouts (car-seat, c-section)
Home setup checklist & DRA awareness page
Short educational video library (planned)
For-Providers hub with distribution guidance
Capstone paper, literature summary, program proposal, ErgoCube design brief
short-term outcomes
What changes soon
Increased maternal awareness of body-mechanics risk in daily caregiving
Knowledge of at least one gentler technique for each high-load task
Recognition of thumb-safe scoop, deep-squat lift, and neutral spine principles
Confidence to modify home environment (crib height, feeding setup)
Provider access to shareable, scope-safe patient-education materials
Partner engagement in physically demanding caregiving tasks
long-term outcomes
What changes over time
Reduced incidence and severity of postpartum musculoskeletal pain
Sustained maternal engagement in caregiving occupations without injury
Earlier identification of and referral for postpartum MSK conditions
Broader integration of OT scope into the fourth-trimester care model
Advocacy contribution to a professional standard for postpartum ergonomic education
Foundation for future OT products and programs in perinatal care
Person + Environment + Occupation → better Performance
Assumptions
Postpartum mothers are motivated to protect their bodies when given accessible, non-judgmental education.
Web- and video-based delivery is a valid channel for postpartum health education (supported by Kim et al., 2022).
Providers will share free, scope-safe resources when barriers to distribution are removed.
Existing gaps in fourth-trimester care delivery vary by region and system.
Individual caregiving load, birth-recovery status, and social support differ across families.
Access to internet, smartphones, and healthcare varies across the target population.
Clinical adoption depends on provider workflow, time, and organizational openness.
theoretical framework
PEOP modelChristiansen & Baum; Bass et al.
OTPF-4AOTA, 2020
Every column of this logic model maps to the PEOP components (Person = mother, Environment = home setup, Occupation = childcare tasks, Performance = safe engagement) and the OTPF-4 occupational domains of Caregiving, ADLs, IADLs, and Health Management. See The evidence for the full framework build.