Computer-related posture and discomfort in primary school children: The effects of a school-based ergonomic intervention

This study investigated the effect of a school-based ergonomic intervention on childrens' posture and discomfort while using computers using a pre/post test study design. The sample comprised 23 children age 9 and 10years. Posture was assessed with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and a workstation assessment was completed using a Visual Display Unit (VDU) checklist. Self reported discomfort was also recorded at the beginning and end of the computer class. Following an ergonomic intervention that included education of the children and workstation changes, the outcome measures were repeated. There was a positive response to the intervention with significant changes between the pre-intervention and post-intervention scores for posture (p=0.00) and workstation (p=0.00). The change in discomfort scores from beginning to end of the computer class between the pre-intervention class and the post-intervention class was also significant (p=0.00). The study highlights the need for continuing concern about the physical effects of children's computer use and the implications of school-based interventions.

[1]  Roy Barton,et al.  'First do no harm': Factors influencing teachers' ability and willingness to use ICT in their subject teaching , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[2]  Youngkyun Baek,et al.  What makes teachers use technology in the classroom? Exploring the factors affecting facilitation of technology with a Korean sample , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[3]  Douglas G. Altman,et al.  Practical statistics for medical research , 1990 .

[4]  Annemarie Hauf,et al.  Computers in education , 1983 .

[5]  Karen Jacobs,et al.  The effectiveness of a home-based ergonomics intervention on the proper use of computers by middle school children. , 2002, Work.

[6]  E N Corlett,et al.  A technique for assessing postural discomfort. , 1976, Ergonomics.

[7]  L McAtamney,et al.  Reducing the Risks of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders – A guide and methods , 1994 .

[8]  D. De Clercq,et al.  Effects of back care education in elementary schoolchildren , 2000, Acta paediatrica.

[9]  Karen Jacobs,et al.  Efficacy of body mechanics education on posture while computing in middle school children. , 2002, Work.

[10]  C. Warfield,et al.  The measurement of pain. , 1988, Hospital practice.

[11]  A. Roth-Isigkeit,et al.  Pain Among Children and Adolescents: Restrictions in Daily Living and Triggering Factors , 2005, Pediatrics.

[12]  Abdulkafi Albirini,et al.  Teachers' attitudes toward information and communication technologies: the case of Syrian EFL teachers , 2006, Comput. Educ..

[13]  Karen Jacobs,et al.  The effectiveness of ergonomic intervention in the classroom. , 2002, Work.

[14]  Derek Richards,et al.  Types of data , 2007, Evidence-Based Dentistry.

[15]  Alan Hedge,et al.  The Effect of Computer Workstation Design on Student Posture , 1998 .

[16]  Leon Straker,et al.  The effect of individually adjusted workstations on upper quadrant posture and muscle activity in school children. , 2002, Work.

[17]  S. Dockrell,et al.  An investigation of children's posture and discomfort during computer use , 2007, Ergonomics.

[18]  Ewa McGrail.  Laptop Technology and Pedagogy in the English Language Arts Classroom , 2007 .

[19]  D. De Clercq,et al.  Effects of a Two-School-Year Multifactorial Back Education Program in Elementary Schoolchildren , 2006, Spine.

[20]  L M Straker,et al.  Physical and psychosocial aspects of the learning environment in information technology rich classrooms , 2001, Ergonomics.

[21]  S. Dockrell,et al.  School children's use of computers and teachers' education in computer ergonomics , 2007, Ergonomics.

[22]  J. Passchier,et al.  Pain in children and adolescents: a common experience , 2000, Pain.

[23]  Alan Hedge,et al.  An anthropometric and postural risk assessment of children's school computer work environments , 1999 .

[24]  Graham McMahon,et al.  Critical Thinking and ICT Integration in a Western Australian Secondary School , 2009, J. Educ. Technol. Soc..