The effectiveness of a home-based ergonomics intervention on the proper use of computers by middle school children

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Williams, Chad D. | Jacobs, Karen

Affiliations: Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: 21 Shadowbrook Lane 5, Milford, MA 01757, USA. Tel.: +1 617 501 8064; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: A study was conducted in the homes of middle school children (average age = 12.7 years, SD = 0.52 years) to determine if an educational intervention would increase both the children's and their parents' knowledge of ergonomically correct setup of a computer workstation and computer use. Six children and their parents (n = 6) participated in this study. The study consisted of two data collection sessions over a two-week period. Results suggest a significant (p < 0.05) increase in knowledge of computer use and workstation setup for both parents and children, however, no significant changes in posture were noted between sessions. It was concluded that education is an effective method to increase knowledge of ergonomics in both middle school children and their parents but more research is indicated to understand the linkage between ergonomic understanding and durable accomodations.

Keywords: VDT, education, retention

Journal: Work, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 261-268, 2002