Journal article
Computer users' postures and associations with workstation characteristics
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, Vol.61(2), pp.223-230
03/01/2000
DOI: 10.1202/0002-8894(2000)061<0223:cupaaw>2.0.co;2
Abstract
This investigation tested the hypothesis that: 1. physical workstation dimensions are important determinants of operator posture, 2. specific workstation characteristics systemically affect worker posture, and 3. computer operators assume neutral upper limb postures while keying. Operator head, neck and upper extremity posture and selected workstation dimensions and characteristics were measured among 379 computer users. Operator postures were measured with manual goniometers, workstation characteristics were evaluated by observation, and workstation dimensions by direct measurement. Considerably greater variability in all postures were observed than was expected from application of basic geometric principles to measured workstation dimensions. Few strong correlations were observed between worker posture and workstation physical dimensions; findings suggest that preference is given to keyboard placement with respect to the eyes compared with monitor placement with respect to the eyes. Wrist extension was weakly correlated with keyboard height. Findings suggest that: 1. workstation dimensions are not strong determinants of at least several neck and upper extremity postures among computer operators, 2. only some workstation characteristics affect posture, and 3. contrary to common recommendations, a large proportion of computer users do not work in so-called neutral positions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Computer users' postures and associations with workstation characteristics
- Creators
- Fredric GerrMichele MarcusDaniel OrtizBeth White
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, Vol.61(2), pp.223-230
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Ltd
- DOI
- 10.1202/0002-8894(2000)061<0223:cupaaw>2.0.co;2
- ISSN
- 1529-8663
- eISSN
- 2163-369X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2000
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984363606502771
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