The relationship between head and neck posture and VDT screen height in keyboard operators.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of change in video display terminal (VDT) height from desktop height (96.5 cm [38 in]) to an elevated position (109.2 cm [43 in]) on postural angles of the head and neck and the effect on cervical spine flexion moments.


METHODS
Twenty-seven persons (3 male, 24 female) who spent at least 3 hours per day using a computer while seated were the subjects. The subjects had a mean age of 36.7 years (SD=6.0, range=25-47).


METHODS
Subjects were photographed over two 10-minute periods while seated using a computer with the VDT at two different heights. Later, a goniometer was used over images to record angles.


RESULTS
There was no difference in cervical flexion moment between the two screen positions. Several postural angles of the head and neck showed changes, but the clinical relevance of these changes is questionable.


CONCLUSIONS
Changing the VDT height from 96.5 to 109.2 cm (floor to midscreen) has no effect on flexion moment on the cervical spine during short periods of VDT operation. If flexion moment is considered a biomechanical indicator of postural stress, it does not appear that the elevated screen position reduces postural stress on the cervical spine during short periods of VDT operation.
Kietrys
D M
DM
Rehabilitation and Fitness Services Inc, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
McClure
P W
PW
Fitzgerald
G K
GK
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D016288:Computer Terminals; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013997:Time Factors