Ergonomics
What is the research topic under study?
The paper aimed to analyze the prevalence of neck pain and headaches associated with computer use among adolescent school students in a developing country.
What were the hypotheses?
The hypothesis was that the increased use of computers would be associated with increased headaches and neck pain.
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What research methodologies were utilized?
The study used stratified sampling, where the participants were selected from 124 schools in four regions. Two schools were randomly selected from each region. A computer usage questionnaire (CUQ) was used to determine the total number of hours per week the students spent on computers. The students reported the data on the headaches and neck pains.
Who were the participants?
The participants for the study were 1,073 students in South Africa aged between 14 and 18 years old. 64.9 percent of the participants were female, while 35.1 percent were male.
What were the research findings and implications?
The findings from the study showed that 26 percent of the students reported headache suffering. The number of females suffering from headaches was 30.3 percent, while the number of males was 16.1 percent. 20 percent of the student had suffered from neck pain, with 12.3 percent reporting it as severe. A smaller group of 7.1 percent reported that they experienced both neck and head pain. The number of hours spent on computers was at 8.5 hours a week. The study showed that hours using computers were not associated with headaches but was positively associated with neck pain. A poor ergonomic setup, poor posture, and soft-tissue creep during long work sessions could contribute to neck pain. It is thus important that the students receive proper education regarding posture and ergonomics.
Why did you select this particular article?
The article was selected because it examined adolescent participants who face the biggest risk with poor ergonomics and posture. Adolescents are mostly starting to increase their computer usage but are highly uneducated about posture and ergonomics.
What are your personal feelings about excessive technology use?
I find that excessive use of technology can be detrimental to one’s physical health and wellbeing. The increase in the use of technology in the modern world has resulted in a sharp increase in various strain injuries. We cannot do away with technology altogether, and there is a need to increase education regarding proper posture and ergonomics.
What are the things that you have done or do to limit the negative ramifications of excess use (such as taking frequent breaks)?
To limit the negative ramifications of excess use of technology, I try to always be aware of my posture. I always try to align my hips, shoulders, and ears in a vertical line for the best sitting position. In case I feel any form of strain, I try to align my posture accordingly. Additionally, after sitting on a chair for about half an hour, it is important to take some minutes to walk, stand, and stretch (Yan & Fischer, 2004). I try to take about two minutes to stretch after sitting for half an hour.
References
Smith, L., Louw, Q. Q., Crous, L. L., & Grimmer-Somers, K. K. (2009). Prevalence of neck pain and headaches: Impact of computer use and other associative factors. Cephalalgia (Wiley-Blackwell) , 29 (2), 250–257. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2008.01714.x
Yan, Z., & Fischer, K. W. (2004). How children and adults learn to use computers: A developmental approach. New Directions for Child & Adolescent Development , 2004 (105), 41–61.
