Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users: lesson learned from the role of posture and keyboard use

Gerr, Fredric; Marcus, Michele; Monteilh, Carolyn

doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2003.09.014

Cited by 224 publications

(173 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

150

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…These anomalies are more severe in females than in males [25]. Gerr et al (2004) also reported the occurrence of such anomalies as forward head posture, bowed knees or X-shaped legs, and rotated ankle as a function of daily activities such as studying and working on computer among financial clerks [26]. However, in previous studies, pectoral kyphosis was found to be induced by such activities as keeping one's hands forward for a long time [3,27,28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

Fathi

2016

PTJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose: Globalization of computer use in the past two decades has increased the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and different damages to computer users. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal damages and postural anomalies and disorders among computer users.Methods: This is a descriptive research study carried out as a field project on 160 university students with 3 years of experience working with computers. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher, which was of high reliability and validity. Moreover, for evaluation of the changes in postural alignment, the New York posture rating chart was used. Data analyses were performed by using descriptive statistics, which was done using Excel software and SPSS version 21.0. Results:The findings of this study revealed that the participants suffered from pain in the head (81.25%), eyes (87.50%), neck (100%), shoulders (100%), waist (81.25%), wrist (100%), fingers (100%), pelvis (93.75%), and knees (100%). Risk factors such as not using suitable chairs, incorrect way of sitting, and lack of movement (i.e. inactivity during work) were of great significance. Moreover, the findings of this research indicated the following as the prevalent postural anomalies among university students: 85% forward head posture, 90% drooping shoulders, 70% pectoral kyphosis, 65% posterior pelvic tilt, 40% bowed knees or X-shaped legs, and 30% ankle rotation. Conclusion:Sore neck and shoulders, sore eyes, painful wrist, and fingers are very common among computer users. Forward head posture, drooping shoulder (that of the user's dominant hand), and bowed knees or X-shaped legs were found to be the basic and prevalent postural problems among university students. Inactivity caused by over-work and not attending to ergonomic principles while working was among the key risk factors observed in this study.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

Fathi

2016

PTJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Consumers feel discomfort in their hand muscles when they perform the touch behaviors with the edge display. This discomforts in hand muscles can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (Gerr, Marcus & Monteilh, 2004). Therefore, the research should be required for investigating the effect of edge display on hand muscles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

F8-3　The Effects of Smartphone Edge Display on EMG Activity of Thumb Muscles in One-handed Interaction

Chul

Hwangbo

Lee

et al. 2017

The Japanese journal of ergonomics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of edge display of smartphone on thumb muscles activity of smartphone users. Sixty-six participants between 20 and 39 years were recruited in the experiment. Participants performed the two tasks which were touch and swipe, which were the most used tasks in smartphone. The independent variable was a smartphone display type (flat display, edge display). The experiment was conducted using a commercially available smartphone. Participants performed the tasks with two size of smartphone while walking or sitting. For checking muscles activity, we attached the surface electromyography (EMG) device to the subjects' hands (especially their thumbs). Two muscles, the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), were chosen for this study. The results showed that only FDI muscles activity of the edge display smartphone was higher than that of the flat display smartphone, especially in big size smartphone conditions. This excessive muscle activity while using the edge display smartphone can cause musculoskeletal disorders to the user. This study suggests that the smartphone, which is a device that repeats the same thing over and over again, should be designed to decrease user muscle stress.

show abstract

“…The increased use of these devices has resulted in reports in the literature linking computer users to an increased risk of upper extremity Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) resulting from poor postures and working techniques. Prolonged keyboard use in non-neutral working postures with a lack of forearm support increases the risk of MSD 4 while forearm support during keyboard and mouse use has been shown to decrease neck and shoulder muscle activity. 5 Because computers are so widespread, even relatively small risks associated with their use could have important public health implications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…5 Because computers are so widespread, even relatively small risks associated with their use could have important public health implications. 4 Confirming the widespread use of computers, Computer Industry Almanac released a statement in February, 2012 indicating that there were nearly 311 million Personal Computers (PCs) in use in the USA.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Prevalence of Signs of Median Nerve Compression among College Students in Kinesiology

Behee

Wilson

2015

Sport Exerc Med Open J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of signs of Median Nerve Compression (MNC) among male and female college students. Methods: Forty-one Kinesiology majors, 24 males (58%) and 17 females (42%) completed surveys to assess the volume of physical activity, computer use, and distal upper extremity pain associated with these activities. Each participant was assessed for signs of MNC with the Phalen's test, Tinel's tap test, and the hand elevation test. Grip strength was measured by hand grip dynamometry and participants' percentile norms were calculated. Results: Indications of MNC were present in 17% of participants, (6 males, 1 female). Fiftyone percent of students experienced computer-related hand and forearm musculoskeletal pain. Eighty-one percent of those had pain during extended computer use and 41% of students experienced occasional pain with physical activity. It is noteworthy that 85% of participants used the computer 4 hours per day or less. Also, with each category of computer use and physical activity, 93% of participants had not experienced pain in the last two weeks. Conclusion: Though none of these factors could be associated with MNC, the prevalence of symptoms was similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (14%) in the general population.

show abstract

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users: lesson learned from the role of posture and keyboard use

Cited by 224 publications

References 17 publications

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

F8-3　The Effects of Smartphone Edge Display on EMG Activity of Thumb Muscles in One-handed Interaction

The Prevalence of Signs of Median Nerve Compression among College Students in Kinesiology

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users: lesson learned from the role of posture and keyboard use

Cited by 224 publications

References 17 publications

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

Prevalence Rate of Postural Damages, Disorders and Anomalies Among Computer Users

F8-3 The Effects of Smartphone Edge Display on EMG Activity of Thumb Muscles in One-handed Interaction

The Prevalence of Signs of Median Nerve Compression among College Students in Kinesiology

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

F8-3　The Effects of Smartphone Edge Display on EMG Activity of Thumb Muscles in One-handed Interaction