Ergonomics
University task force studies ergonomic issues.
By Roxanne Khamsi, Cavalier Daily Senior Writer
They are everywhere and all the time. From e-mail to homework, computers have become ever-present in daily life. Despite this, the public has only recently begun to consider how working at a computer can directly affect a user's health.
In 1992, the University established the Ergonomic Task Force out of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to address this concern here at home.
Ergonomics, also known as a form of biotechnology, is the applied science of equipment design intended to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort.
These problems manifest themselves in the habits students have developed regarding their use of technology. Often, students find it necessary to devote much of their day to computer-related tasks. Checking e-mail can take a few minutes, but completing other computer tasks, such as word processing and surfing the Internet, may require several hours.
"I've spent, at times when lab reports are due, probably 10 hours [in front of a computer] -- granted I'm majoring in computer science," said fourth-year Engineering student Cory Shull.
The fact that students are gaining more access to computers excites many educators, but it also raises new concerns. A report recently published in Computers in the Schools found that ergonomic considerations for computer use among elementary school children often are overlooked.
The study indicates that many of the improperly designed workstations may be harmful to the children's posture.
The importance of correctly using a computer, as pointed out by the study, is one reason why educational institutions have decided to take a closer look at the issue.
The University's Ergonomic Task Force is accomplishing this by attempting to raise awareness regarding ergonomic concerns at the University.
Karen Allen, the senior physical therapist on the Ergonomics Task Force points out that computer owners can take many simple actions to avoid discomfort.
"If you can get as much flexibility as you can and arrange things to fit you, it should be more comfortable," Allen said.
She said that she believes a computer user should have the option of fitting the workspace to meet the needs of his or her own body. According to Allen, the back of the chair should fit into the natural arc of the user's back, also known as the lumbar curve.
Lori Ponton, the University's senior furnishings buyer, agreed.
"The main consideration is that the desk and chair are size appropriate," she said. "If there's a setup [of a workstation] that several people use, then the chair needs to be adjustable. Adjustability is the key word."
Although the physical health of computer users has recently come into the spotlight, most students do not concern themselves with setting up their own computers in an ergonomically correct manner.
"It's set up so that it can fit on the desk," third-year College student James Langley said.
However, this may lead to problems down the road for people who spend extended periods of time on their PC. Excessive strain on the wrists from incorrect typing form can lead to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Symptoms include burning pain in the wrist, while improper seating can lead to neck and back pain.
Computer users may also experience eyestrain, a problem that results from focusing on the screen for great lengths of time. Students can easily avoid these potentially serious health risks. For example, choosing colors that have a high level of contrast can prevent blurry vision and burning eyes.
According to Allen, something as simple as taking short breaks from the computer is crucial to your health.
"Get up and walk around the room. The key to computer breaks is doing something equal and opposite to what you're doing," she said.
Allen recommends that the user periodically stretch his or her fingers and wrists. She also advises students focus their eyes on distant objects to relax their vision. Even getting up and walking around can prevent further stress to the body.
As awareness grows, experts will continue to explore the impact of computer use on people's health. Lori Ponton believes that the public is beginning to get the message.
"A lot of people are sitting up and paying attention to the way things are going and realizing you can't just put a computer on the desk," Ponton said. "I find that people are definitely paying attention to the changes in technology and how as that changes we need to keep up with that."
Meanwhile, the Ergonomics Task Force has begun raising awareness about ergonomic concerns within new areas of the University and assessing the ability of the equipment to meet the needs of the user.
"I think another area we're just starting to tap is the labs at the hospital and within the University," Allen said.
Ponton sees the development of ergonomically correct workstations as an ongoing process as technology is further integrated into daily life.
"I think it's a slow process, but it's definitely started," she said.
This paper was published on February 18, 1999 by The Cavalier Daily, Inc., at the University of Virginia.
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