MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND LAPTOP COMPUTER USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

摘要: Laptop computers are widely used by college students for academic and leisure activities (Cortes, Hollis, Amick, & Katz, 2002). However, there is limited research that identifies risk factors musculoskeletal discomfort during laptop computer use in this population. This dissertation includes two studies: Study 1: survey study explores characteristics of relationships between laptop-related discomfort; 2: randomized cross-over examines the effects three most common workstation setups on upper body postures, discomfort, task productivity.Thirty were recruited from University Pittsburgh. The was a self-administered questionnaire. Subjectsi¯ posture videotaped while typing 10 minutes six (desktop sitting, chair lying prone, supine, floor lap sitting), analyzed. Body angles digitized at 10-time points averaged using ImageJ. Typing style identified Keyboard-Personal Computer Style Instrument. Discomfort determined 10-cm VAS. Task productivity assessed speed accuracy. Data analyzed ANOVAs Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons.Subjects primarily female (83.3%), with mean age 26.0i¾7.3, white (63.3%). Survey results showed desktop followed supine sitting. There no statistically significant (duration type setup) discomfort. Most significantly different setups: neutral wrists ulnar deviation, upright trunk, greater shoulder flexion sitting; neck flexion, wrist extension, deviation less trunk extension supine. For style, subjects large differences static postures among setups. Less faster observed then Overall more These findings highlight importance setup choice preventing potential problems.