Computer Workstation Design Research Articles

The influence of working/learning remotely on the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in a group of university staff and students

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a fundamental change in the lifestyle and the ways of learning and working patterns which in turn might lead to health consequences including musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of e-learning and remote working and the impact of the learning/working modality on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students and workers in Poland. This study covered 914 students and 451 employees who filled in an anonymous online questionnaire. The questions covered 2 periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the period from October 2020 to June 2021 and were aimed at obtaining information about lifestyle (including physical activity, perceived stress and sleep pattern), ergonomic of computer workstations, the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and headaches. During the outbreak, the severity of musculoskeletal complaints increased significantly in the teaching staff group (3.2±2.5 vs. 4.1±3.0 VAS pts), in the administrative staff group (3.1±2.5 vs. 4.0±3.1 VAS pts), and in the student group (2.8±2.4 vs. 3.5±2.8 VAS pts). The average level of burden and risk of musculoskeletal complaints was revealed by the assessment using the ROSA method, in all 3 study groups. In light of current results, it is very important to educate people on the rational use of new technology devices, including the appropriate design of computer workstations, planning breaks and time for recovery and physical activity. Med Pr. 2023;74(1):63-78.

Effect of Educational Intervention about Computer Vision Syndrome on the Severity of Eye Complaints among Computer Users

The Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) related to the usage of computers has been due to low compliance with ergonomic features. The aim of that research was to assess the effectiveness of educational intervention about computer vision syndrome on the severity of eye complaints among computer users. Design: A quasi-experimental interventional study with pre-post evaluation was performed. Setting: The research was concluded in the administrative buildings of Zagazig University/Egypt. Subjects: Seventy-five computer operators were included in the current study. Tools: Three questionnaires were used for data gathering, which includes I. computer user's self-administered questionnaire, and Self- reported eye complaints' and computer users' CVS knowledge scale, II. Observation and measurement of the employees' computer ergonomic practices, and III. Assessment of the computer workstation design. Results: Following educational intervention by 1 and 3 months, the total-eye-complaints score, total-knowledge score, and the total protective ergonomic practices scores showed a statistically significant difference. Additionally, after one and three months, the overall workstation score showed a substantial mean difference. Conclusion: As a result of the educational intervention regarding computer vision syndrome and its preventive ergonomic practices, computer users' observed eye symptoms decreased, their knowledge about computer vision syndrome improved. Their protective ergonomic practices and workstation proposal were remodeled. Recommendation: Based on the study findings, it is recommended that application the educational intervention about the ergonomic training program Computer operating employees, and acquiescence to recommend office ergonomics are essential to alleviate the growing prevalence in CVS cases.

Ergonomic assessment of working postures for the design of university computer workstations

Ergonomic assessment of working postures for the design of university computer workstations

Ergonomic Challenges of Employees Using Computers at Work in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

Objective: Ergonomically designed workstations have direct bearing on the comfort and safety of office computer users. Tremendous usage of computers in most offices of emerging economies have however, not seen accompanying applications of ergonomics in the design of computer workstations despite the numerous benefits. Injuries and discomforts therefore have higher propensity to occur since most offices formally designed for paperbased work now accommodate computer workstations, without corresponding redesigning. The study therefore sought to assess computer workstation designs in administrative offices at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, with the aim of creating awareness of ergonomics and its application among administrative office computer users. Method: A total of 150 office employees purposively sampled participated in this study. Respondents selected included secretaries, research assistants and data and account processors. This cross-sectional study consisted of a checklist (computer workstation components, visual complaints and ergonomics knowledge), work posture observations and measurements of workstation linear distances and monitor tilt angle. Descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Almost half (50%) of respondents had monitors facing windows without appropriate blinds, 42% with monitor tilt angle less than 10 degrees and majority (76%) observed monitors either at or above horizontal eye level. Most (70%) of the workers acknowledged not having knowledge of ergonomics whiles 100% noted that they did not have any ergonomic assessment of their workstations. Neck, back and shoulder pains were reported by 85% of respondents while 73% complained of eyestrain. Conclusion: The study revealed lack of information and skills in ergonomics contributing to poor ergonomic conditions and consequent visual discomforts among computer users in the work place.

Multi-position ergonomic computer workstation design to increase comfort of computer work

This paper presents a new design of computer workstation that is aimed at increasing the comfort of a user working for long periods at a computer. As we have become a society that spends a lot of time working on computers, the computer workstation needs to provide comfort to users. Discomfort and an improper position can negatively affect overall health and productivity. A new type of ergonomic computer workstation, which allows users to sit in multiple working positions, is proposed in order to provide better comfort to people who spend a long time sitting at their workstations. We have designed and developed a new multi-position ergonomic computer workstation which has 19 degrees of freedom and which can accommodate from 5th to 95th percentile human size. Four types of working position (upright, lean-back, zero-gravity and lean-forward) are preset by choosing different angular positions of the workstation parts. Positions of the workstation parts can be changed by controlling the actuators. These four positions were used to evaluate the comfort of the workstation. Subjective and objective evaluations, including comparison of the prototype and standard computer setup, were carried out using human subjects and ergonomic principles. Results showed that the new workstation is much more comfortable, supporting the body in a balanced way. Users have the freedom to stretch and relax in different working positions before they feel any noticeable discomfort; as a result, it lets users work for a longer period without strain, thus resulting in higher productivity.

Reducing Perceived Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Office Employees through Anthropometric Computer Workstation Design

Numerous office employees who work with computer workstations endure various musculoskeletal discomforts every day. This study intends to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort caused by desktop compute...

Reducing ergonomic injuries for librarians using a participatory approach

This study utilized a participatory ergonomics approach to examine the ergonomic hazards and reduce musculoskeletal symptoms for librarians in the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library. A variety of research activities were conducted, including: ergonomics training and tests, observations, work environment and health questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 39 employees from 9 different divisions in the Library participated in the study. The results of pre- and post-training ergonomics knowledge tests indicate significant improvement of librarians' understanding of ergonomics principles. The questionnaire responses for both 2-month-post- and 8-month-post- ergonomics training compared against those before the training have shown positive improvements in ratings of the presence and severity of a majority of the musculoskeletal symptoms, the design of computer workstations and manual material handling tasks, as well as perceived control over the work environment. With the identification of ergonomic hazards through RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) observations as well as focus group discussions, the study findings accomplished the project's overall objective of assisting librarians with improvement of ergonomics in the workplace. The results of this study provide a necessary foundation for future long-term study of participatory ergonomics to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and disorders for librarians. Relevance to industryLibrary work entails prolonged use of computers and other electronic tools, as well as repetitive handling of books, boxes, and other materials, which has exposed librarians to a significant risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. A participatory ergonomics approach might be effective in improving librarians’ understanding and application of ergonomics principles, and subsequently reducing musculoskeletal symptoms.

Participatory workplace interventions can reduce sedentary time for office workers--a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundOccupational sedentary behaviour is an important contributor to overall sedentary risk. There is limited evidence for effective workplace interventions to reduce occupational sedentary time and increase light activity during work hours. The purpose of the study was to determine if participatory workplace interventions could reduce total sedentary time, sustained sedentary time (bouts >30 minutes), increase the frequency of breaks in sedentary time and promote light intensity activity and moderate/vigorous activity (MVPA) during work hours.MethodsA randomised controlled trial (ANZCTR number: ACTN12612000743864) was conducted using clerical, call centre and data processing workers (n = 62, aged 25–59 years) in 3 large government organisations in Perth, Australia. Three groups developed interventions with a participatory approach: ‘Active office’ (n = 19), ‘Active Workstation’ and promotion of incidental office activity; ‘Traditional physical activity’ (n = 14), pedometer challenge to increase activity between productive work time and ‘Office ergonomics’ (n = 29), computer workstation design and breaking up computer tasks. Accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X, 7 days) determined sedentary time, sustained sedentary time, breaks in sedentary time, light intensity activity and MVPA on work days and during work hours were measured before and following a 12 week intervention period.ResultsFor all participants there was a significant reduction in sedentary time on work days (−1.6%, p = 0.006) and during work hours (−1.7%, p = 0.014) and a significant increase in number of breaks/sedentary hour on work days (0.64, p = 0.005) and during work hours (0.72, p = 0.015); there was a concurrent significant increase in light activity during work hours (1.5%, p = 0.012) and MVPA on work days (0.6%, p = 0.012).ConclusionsThis study explored novel ways to modify work practices to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour. Participatory workplace interventions can reduce sedentary time, increase the frequency of breaks and improve light activity and MVPA of office workers by using a variety of interventions.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTN12612000743864.

Clearance Space Envelopes of Wheeled Mobility Device Users for Computer Workstations

Operator clearance spaces under computer workstations and other work surfaces are necessary to ensure that seated operators have adequate space for their lower extremities in order to use the working surface without any obstruction. In this paper we present operator clearances at workstations designed to accommodate occupants of manual and powered wheelchairs (n=322). Six body dimensions critical to workstation design were used in two different methods to compute the clearance envelope dimensions. When compared with clearance space requirements for able-bodied seated operators at workstations specified in the ANSI/HFES 100-2007 standards for computer workstation design, the findings showed wheeled mobility device users required greater widths, work surface heights, and clearance depths than those specified in the standard.

A multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision problems

This paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision issues by including optometry as a part of the problem-solving team. Computer workstation design is increasing in complexity. There are at least ten different professions who contribute to workstation design or who provide advice to improve worker comfort, safety and efficiency. Optometrists have a role identifying and solving computer-related vision issues and in prescribing appropriate optical devices. However, it is possible that advice given by optometrists to improve visual comfort may conflict with other requirements and demands within the workplace. A multidisciplinary approach has been advocated for solving computer related vision issues. There are opportunities for optometrists to collaborate with ergonomists, who coordinate information from physical, cognitive and organisational disciplines to enact holistic solutions to problems. This paper proposes a model of collaboration and examples of successful partnerships at a number of professional levels including individual relationships between optometrists and ergonomists when they have mutual clients/patients, in undergraduate and postgraduate education and in research. There is also scope for dialogue between optometry and ergonomics professional associations. A multidisciplinary approach offers the opportunity to solve vision related computer issues in a cohesive, rather than fragmented way. Further exploration is required to understand the barriers to these professional relationships.

신체적 다양성을 고려한 인체측정학적 설계 방법 개발 및 적용

The present study developed an anthropometric design method accommodating physical human variabilities for user-centered product development. The proposed design method is based on the boundary zone method, a technique to generate a group of humanoids properly representing the body size diversity of the design target population. In addition, the anthropometric design method considers the variability of postures in the design process by incorporating the simulation of posture. The effectiveness of the proposed design method was evaluated in terms of multivariate accommodation percentage (MAP) by applying it to designing a computer workstation with 90% of accommodation percentage. The performance evaluation showed that the MAP (89%) of the computer workstation design produced by the proposed method was quite close to the designated accommodation percentage. The proposed design method can be of use to develop an effective anthropometric design for user-centered product development. 1) Keyword: anthropometric design, physical human variability, boundary zone method, user-centered design, computer workstation

The Burden and Determinants of Neck Pain in Workers: Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders

Study Design Systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Objectives To describe the prevalence and incidence of neck pain and disability in workers; to identify risk factors for neck pain in workers; to propose an etiological diagram; and to make recommendations for future research. Summary of Background Data Previous reviews of the etiology of neck pain in workers relied on cross-sectional evidence. Recently published cohorts and randomized trials warrant a re-analysis of this body of research. Methods We systematically searched Medline for literature published from 1980–2006. Retrieved articles were reviewed for relevance. Relevant articles were critically appraised. Articles judged to have adequate internal validity were included in our best evidence synthesis. Results One hundred and nine papers on the burden and determinants of neck pain in workers were scientifically admissible. The annual prevalence of neck pain varied from 27.1% in Norway to 47.8% in Québec, Canada. Each year, between 11% and 14.1% of workers were limited in their activities because of neck pain. Risk factors associated with neck pain in workers include age, previous musculoskeletal pain, high quantitative job demands, low social support at work, job insecurity, low physical capacity, poor computer workstation design and work posture, sedentary work position, repetitive work and precision work. We found preliminary evidence that gender, occupation, headaches, emotional problems, smoking, poor job satisfaction, awkward work postures, poor physical work environment, and workers' ethnicity may be associated with neck pain. There is evidence that interventions aimed at modifying workstations and worker posture are not effective in reducing the incidence of neck pain in workers. Conclusion Neck disorders are a significant source of pain and activity limitations in workers. Most neck pain results from complex relationships between individual and workplace risk factors. No prevention strategies have been shown to reduce the incidence of neck pain in workers.

The effects of split keyboard geometry on upper body postures

Split, gabled keyboard designs can prevent or improve upper extremity pain among computer users; the mechanism appears to involve the reduction of awkward wrist and forearm postures. This study evaluated the effects of changes in opening angle, slope and height (independent variables) of a gabled (14°) keyboard on typing performance and upper extremity postures. Twenty-four experienced touch typists typed on seven keyboard conditions while typing speed and right and left wrist extension, ulnar deviation, forearm pronation and elbow position were measured using a motion tracking system. The lower keyboard height led to a lower elbow height (i.e. less shoulder elevation) and less wrist ulnar deviation and forearm pronation. Keyboard slope and opening angle had mixed effects on wrist extension and ulnar deviation, forearm pronation and elbow height and separation. The findings suggest that in order to optimise wrist, forearm and upper arm postures on a split, gabled keyboard, the keyboard should be set to the lowest height of the two heights tested. Keyboard slopes in the mid-range of those tested, 0° to −4°, provided the least wrist extension, forearm pronation and the lowest elbow height. A keyboard opening angle in the mid-range of those tested, 15°, may provide the best balance between reducing ulnar deviation while not increasing forearm pronation or elbow separation. These findings may be useful in the design of computer workstations and split keyboards. The geometry of a split keyboard can influence wrist and forearm postures. The findings of this study are relevant to the positioning and adjustment of split keyboards. The findings will also be useful for engineers who design split keyboards.

Musculoskeletal pain prevalence in randomly sampled university employees: Age and gender effects

Facets of computer workstation design were investigated in a random sample of 206 university employees, half age 50+ and half age 40 or below. Results indicated significant age effects on self-reported wrist pain, with greater pain in younger adults [Odds Ratio=2.33]. Age effects remained significant when adjusting for posture, ergonomic design, and hours at the workstation. Arm or shoulder pain showed significant gender effects, with women reporting greater intensity. Our study indicates a need to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorder development in younger workers and to investigate effects of long-term workplace computer use.

The Burden and Determinants of Neck Pain in Workers

Systematic review and best evidence synthesis. To describe the prevalence and incidence of neck pain and disability in workers; to identify risk factors for neck pain in workers; to propose an etiological diagram; and to make recommendations for future research. Previous reviews of the etiology of neck pain in workers relied on cross-sectional evidence. Recently published cohorts and randomized trials warrant a re-analysis of this body of research. We systematically searched Medline for literature published from 1980–2006. Retrieved articles were reviewed for relevance. Relevant articles were critically appraised. Articles judged to have adequate internal validity were included in our best evidence synthesis. One hundred and nine papers on the burden and determinants of neck pain in workers were scientifically admissible. The annual prevalence of neck pain varied from 27.1% in Norway to 47.8% in Quebec, Canada. Each year, between 11% and 14.1% of workers were limited in their activities because of neck pain. Risk factors associated with neck pain in workers include age, previous musculoskeletal pain, high quantitative job demands, low social support at work, job insecurity, low physical capacity, poor computer workstation design and work posture, sedentary work position, repetitive work and precision work. We found preliminary evidence that gender, occupation, headaches, emotional problems, smoking, poor job satisfaction, awkward work postures, poor physical work environment, and workers’ ethnicity may be associated with neck pain. There is evidence that interventions aimed at modifying workstations and worker posture are not effective in reducing the incidence of neck pain in workers. Neck disorders are a significant source of pain and activity limitations in workers. Most neck pain results from complex relationships between individual and workplace risk factors. No prevention strategies have been shown to reduce the incidence of neck pain in workers.

The Burden and Determinants of Neck Pain in Workers

Systematic review and best evidence synthesis. To describe the prevalence and incidence of neck pain and disability in workers; to identify risk factors for neck pain in workers; to propose an etiological diagram; and to make recommendations for future research. Previous reviews of the etiology of neck pain in workers relied on cross-sectional evidence. Recently published cohorts and randomized trials warrant a re-analysis of this body of research. We systematically searched Medline for literature published from 1980-2006. Retrieved articles were reviewed for relevance. Relevant articles were critically appraised. Articles judged to have adequate internal validity were included in our best evidence synthesis. One hundred and nine papers on the burden and determinants of neck pain in workers were scientifically admissible. The annual prevalence of neck pain varied from 27.1% in Norway to 47.8% in Québec, Canada. Each year, between 11% and 14.1% of workers were limited in their activities because of neck pain. Risk factors associated with neck pain in workers include age, previous musculoskeletal pain, high quantitative job demands, low social support at work, job insecurity, low physical capacity, poor computer workstation design and work posture, sedentary work position, repetitive work and precision work. We found preliminary evidence that gender, occupation, headaches, emotional problems, smoking, poor job satisfaction, awkward work postures, poor physical work environment, and workers' ethnicity may be associated with neck pain. There is evidence that interventions aimed at modifying workstations and worker posture are not effective in reducing the incidence of neck pain in workers. Neck disorders are a significant source of pain and activity limitations in workers. Most neck pain results from complex relationships between individual and workplace risk factors. No prevention strategies have been shown to reduce the incidence of neck pain in workers.

Design Structure Matrix를 활용한 인체측정학적 제품설계 방법: 컴퓨터 워크스테이션 설계 적용

Design equations for anthropometric product design are developed by considering the geometrical relationships of design dimensions and anthropometric dimensions. The present study applied the design structure matrix (DSM) method to the development of design equations for a computer workstation, and compared design values from the design equations with corresponding design values of ergonomic recommendations and existing products. The relationships between design dimensions (e.g., legroom and worktable) were analyzed by a DSM, and then the application order of design equations (e.g., seatpan, backrest, armrest, legroom, and worktable in descending order) was determined. Next, design equations were developed by analyzing the geometric relationships between computer workstation design dimensions and anthropometric dimensions. Finally, design values for a computer workstation were determined by considering a standard posture defined and representative human models (5th, 50th, 95th %ile). The design values calculated using the design equations were similar with those of ergonomic recommendations found in literature and two commercial products measured in the study; however, some design values (e.g., seatpan height) were different due to discrepancy in standard posture. The DSM method would be utilized to systematically analyze the relationships between design dimensions for anthropometric product design.

Office Ergonomics: Deficiencies in Computer Workstation Design

The objective of this research was to study and identify ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstation design in typical offices. Physical measurements and a questionnaire were used to study 40 workstations. Major ergonomic deficiencies were found in physical design and layout of the workstations, employee postures, work practices, and training. The consequences in terms of user health and other problems were significant. Forty-five percent of the employees used nonadjustable chairs, 48% of computers faced windows, 90% of the employees used computers more than 4 hrs/day, 45% of the employees adopted bent and unsupported back postures, and 20% used office tables for computers. Major problems reported were eyestrain (58%), shoulder pain (45%), back pain (43%), arm pain (35%), wrist pain (30%), and neck pain (30%). These results indicated serious ergonomic deficiencies in office computer workstation design, layout, and usage. Strategies to reduce or eliminate ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstation design were suggested.

Impact of Computer Workstation Design on Health of the Users

Computer has become a familiar and much talked about technology these days. Today, no aspect like business, leisure, health education etc. has been left untouched by the computer revolution. There has been an increased frequency of ergonomic injuries and illness in the computer work station. Hence the present study was undertaken with the following objectives (i) To assess the workstation design of VDT in selected organizations as per principles of ergonomics related to human and machine interface. (ii) To take feed back of computer workers on health problems related to VDT workstation design. A sample of 30 computer operators was selected purposively from private and public sector organization, involved in data entry work. A checklist was used to assess the computer workstation design for VDT users and to assess health of the workers. Overall and Localized Body Discomfort was also assessed. Assessment of computer workstation design revealed that 36.6 percent of VDT workers used chairs with low seat height which was not proper. Chairs with adjustable seat height were used only by one half of the VDT users. The distance from acromion to edge of desk was in average range and 56.7 percent of the users were having pull out extra leaf for keeping keyboard while only 13.3 percent respondents were using the extra leaf for keeping the mouse. It was revealed that none of the respondents kept the screen straight ahead which is the most appropriate position. The work place of the VDT users elicited that in 43.3 percent workstations there was glare and reflection of light falling on computer screens. A vast majority reported that they suffered from shoulder pain, headache, eyestrain, back pain and felt discomfort during computer work. Ninety percent of workstations were found in 'Average' category. Assessment of Body Discomfort revealed that after 4 hour of work 40 percent of the workers felt 'Moderate' discomfort while 10 percent expressed feeling of 'Severe' discomfort. Assessment of Localized Body Discomfort elicited that the respondents felt discomfort in right shoulder, in eyes and pain in neck.

Computer users’ risk factors for developing shoulder, elbow and back symptoms

This prospective study concentrated on determining factors of computer work that predict musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoulder, elbow, and low-back regions. A questionnaire on ergonomics, work pauses, work techniques, and psychosocial and work factors was delivered to 5033 office workers at baseline in early 1999 (response rate 69%) and to 3361 respondents at the time of the follow-up in late 2000 (response rate 77%). An increased frequency or intensity of symptoms was the outcome variable, including only nonsymptomatic respondents from the baseline questionnaire (symptom frequency below 8 days within the last 12 months or intensity score below 4 within the last 3 months). In the follow-up, 10%, 18%, and 23% had symptoms more often in the elbow, shoulder, and low back, respectively, and 14%, 20%, and 22% had more intense symptoms. Women were more likely to be afflicted than men in all regions. In the full-fit multivariate logistic regression analysis, little influence on the timing of a rest pause and being disturbed by glare or reflection were significant predictors of shoulder symptoms, screen below eye height was a significant predictor for elbow symptoms, and previous symptoms was a significant predictor for symptoms in all regions. Computer worktime and psychosocial dimensions were not significant predictors. Influence on work pauses, reduction of glare or reflection, and screen height are important factors in the design of future computer workstations. Since previous symptoms was a significant predictor of recurrent symptoms in all three regions under study, it can be concluded that musculoskeletal symptoms are persistent.