University students' notebook computer use.
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.
Jacobs
Karen
K
Boston University, Sargent College, Department of Occupational Therapy, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. kjacobs@bu.edu
Johnson
Peter
P
Dennerlein
Jack
J
Peterson
Denise
D
Kaufman
Justin
J
Gold
Joshua
J
Williams
Sarah
S
Richmond
Nancy
N
Karban
Stephanie
S
Firn
Emily
E
Ansong
Elizabeth
E
Hudak
Sarah
S
Tung
Katherine
K
Hall
Victoria
V
Pencina
Karol
K
Pencina
Michael
M
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