title: University students' notebook computer use.
abstract: Recent evidence suggests that university students are self-reporting experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students randomly assigned to one of three towers by the university's Office of Housing participated in this study. The results of this investigation showed a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort from pre- and post-survey in participants who received notebook computer accessories and in those who received accessories and participatory ergonomics training. A significant increase in post-survey rest breaks was seen. There was a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using computer usage software (odometer). More research is needed however to determine the most effective ergonomics intervention for university students.
authors.affiliation: Boston University, Sargent College, Department of Occupational Therapy, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. kjacobs@bu.edu
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dennerlein
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gold
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Richmond
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karban
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Firn
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ansong
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hudak
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pencina
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pencina
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult