The effectiveness of ergonomic intervention in the classroom.
OBJECTIVE
To see if an in-service on proper body mechanics and ergonomics for computer workstation usage can increase a student's knowledge regarding these areas.


METHODS
This was a quasi-experimental design using a questionnaire. Subjects included seventy-three male and forty-four female sixth-grade students enrolled in a word processing class at a New York Middle School. A non-standardized demographic and ergonomic based questionnaire was administered before and after an in-service. An environmental checklist was used to formulate a percentage of ergonomically correct computer workstations.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post-test scores, indicating that learning took place. Pre-test scores suggest that there exists a need for ergonomic education in classrooms. Results from an environmental checklist support the need for revision of computer workstations in classrooms.


CONCLUSIONS
Ergonomic education is one way to help students to reduce their risks of developing musculoskeletal injury in a classroom environment that impedes correct positioning.
Shinn
Janette
J
Touro College, School of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Bayshore, NY, USA.
Romaine
Kari-Ann
KA
Casimano
Tara
T
Jacobs
Karen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D003201:Computers; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace