Evaluation of forearm support provided by the Workplace Board on
perceived tension, comfort and productivity in pregnant and non-pregnant
computer users
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering,
Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada | Institut de Recherche Robert Sauvé en Santé et
en Sécurité de Travail, Montréal, Quebec, Canada | Centre for Teaching and Learning, Queen's University,
Kingston, ON, Canada | School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's
University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tegan Upjohn, School of Kinesiology
and Health Studies, Queen's University, Physical Education Centre, rm 223, 69
Union St, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. Tel.: +1 613
533 3060; Fax: +1 613 533 6489; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of forearm support
provided by the Workplace Board on perceived tension, comfort and productivity
among pregnant and non-pregnant female computer workers. Ten pregnant and 18
non-pregnant women participated in the study. Participants completed three sets
of tension/discomfort questionnaires at two week intervals. The first set was
completed prior to any workstation intervention; the second set was completed
after two weeks working with an ergonomically adjusted workstation; the third
set was completed after two weeks working with the Workplace Board integrated
into the office workstation. With the Workplace Board, decreased perceived
tension was reported in the left shoulder, wrist and low back in non-pregnant
women only. The Board was generally liked by all participants, and increased
comfort and productivity in all areas, with the exception of a negative effect
on productivity of general office tasks. The board is suitable for integration
in most office workstations and for most users, but has no special benefits for
pregnant women.
