Direct observation of computer workplace risk factors of college students

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tullar, Jessica | Amick III, Benjamin C.^{; ;} | Robertson, Michelle M. | Fossel, Anne H. | Coley, Chris | Hupert, Nathaniel | Jenkins, Mark | Katz, Jeffrey N.

Affiliations: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA | Texas Program for Society and Health, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA | Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Canada | Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA, USA | Robert Brigham Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Clinical Research Center, Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Departments of Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA | University Health Services, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA | Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA | University Health Services, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Benjamin Amick III, The University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, Houston, TX 77225, USA. Tel.: +1 713 500 9496; Fax: +1 713 500 9493; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Recently, researchers have reported high musculoskeletal symptom prevalence at several US colleges. Since ergonomic interventions have been shown to prevent and reduce disability, it is important to identify the risk factors for developing symptoms among college students. A nested case-control study was completed to determine computer-related ergonomic risks associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. A trained observer completed ergonomic assessments on 52 randomly selected cases and controls. More than 75 percent (cases and controls combined) of the population was exposed to nine potential postural strains including: arms not along side during keying or mousing; lower back not supported; not having chair accessories; computer monitor not adjustable; mouse being too high or low; hand/wrist/forearm in contact with the desk edge; lack of wrist support; and keyboard not being adjustable. Cases and controls were equally likely to have substantially elevated risks but because the sample was small and lacked power, no risks were statistically significant. Since many known risk factors were prevalent in cases and controls, more research is required to evaluate and prevent injury in this population.

Keywords: Computing, pain, college students, musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomics

Journal: Work, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 77-83, 2007