Impact of seating posture on user comfort and typing performance for people with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Many people who experience chronic low back pain find that sitting upright for long periods of time can cause discomfort. For some, a measure of relief is achieved by lying down periodically throughout the work day. Devices exist that allow computer operators to work from a significantly reclined or supine posture. However, very little has been written to describe the impact of these alternate postures on typing performance and user comfort. This study used a modified tilt and recline wheelchair seating system and common desktop computer components to measure the impact of five different postures on typing performance and user comfort. The study required participants to complete a series of short typing tests (approximately 20 min) in each of the five postures. The results indicate that for short typing tasks, discomfort in upper extremities can cause significant differences in typing speed and user comfort in supine postures when compared to traditional upright typing postures. Relevance to Industry Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of typing from supine or significantly reclined postures can lead to alternate computer workstations that may decrease repetitive stress injuries and increase employment opportunities for people with chronic low back pain.