Affiliations: Back Straight Boys, San Diego, CA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Rhonda Epstein, Back Straight Boys,
3496 Overpark Road, San Diego, CA 92130, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and musculoskeletal disorders in
the United States and worldwide are increasing at an alarming rate due to the
advent of ubiquitous computer usage. Factors that lead to computer-related
musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) include inadequately designed workstations,
poor posture, and lack of knowledge about proper ergonomics and use habits.
Studies have documented the negative impact of improper posture and the MSD
seen in students and office workers due to frequent computer usage. Objective: Determine if the frequency (single vs. continuous reminder) and/or
use of feedback affects posture at a computer workstation. Participants: Observations of posture habits were made in three local schools and one local
company. Feedback effects were tested on the students (ages 10–15). Methods: Real time feedback was given in two studies. In one study,
instructions and a verbal reminder were given to students and in a second
study, a prototype 'Posture Pad' was developed to provide continuous feedback
to the user. Results: Verbal reminders to sit correctly led to transient
improvement of posture. Use of the `Posture Pad' resulted in significant
improvement in posture with subjects exhibiting correct posture 98
± 5% of the time. Conclusions: Real time feedback about how one is sitting is an effective mechanism for non-transient
improvement of posture at computer workstations.
