Risk of upper limb complaints due to computer use in older persons: a randomized study.
BACKGROUND
We studied whether the twelve-month use of a standard computer would induce complaints of upper limb pain or functional limitations in older novice computer users.


METHODS
Participants between 64 and 76 of age were randomly assigned to an Intervention group (n = 62), whose members received a personal computer and fast Internet access at their homes, or a No Intervention control group (n = 61), whose members refrained from computer use during the twelve month study period.


RESULTS
Difference scores between baseline and twelve months assessments on both complaint (SFS) and functional health scales (SF-36) did not differ between groups (all p > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged, self-paced use of a standard computer interface does not put older persons at a risk of upper limb complaints or reduce functional health in older adults.
van Boxtel
Martin P J
MP
European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), Brain and Behaviour Institute, Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. martin.vanboxtel@np.unimaas.nl
Slegers
Karin
K
Jolles
Jelle
J
Ruijgrok
Joop M
JM
D000368:Aged; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D034941:Upper Extremity; D014584:User-Computer Interface
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