University students' notebook computer use: lessons learned using e-diaries to report musculoskeletal discomfort

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to identify if notebook accessories (ergonomic chair, desktop monitor and notebook riser) combined with a wireless keyboard, mouse and participatory ergonomics training would have the greatest impact on reducing self-reported upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort in university students. In addition to pre-post computing and health surveys, the Ecological Momentary Assessment was used to capture change in discomfort over time using a personal digital assistant (PDA) as the e-diary. The PDA was programmed with a survey containing 45 questions. Four groups of university students were randomised to either intervention (three external computer accessories) or to control. Participants reported less discomfort with the ergonomic chair and notebook riser based on the pre-post survey data and the e-diary/PDA ANOVA analysis. However, the PDA data, adjusted for the effect of hours per day of computer use, showed no benefit of the chair and limited benefit from the riser.

Statement of Relevance:University students' use of notebook computers has increased. This study found evidence of a positive effect of an adjustable chair or notebook riser when combined with ergonomic training on reducing discomfort. Daily notebook computer use of 4 h was confirmed as a risk factor. Without some form of ergonomic intervention, these students are likely to enter the workforce with poor computing habits, which places them on the road to future injuries as technology continues to play a dominant role in their lives.

Keywords:

• human–computer interaction
• musculoskeletal
• office ergonomics
• participative ergonomics

Acknowledgements

Research support for these studies was provided by pilot project grants awarded by the Office of Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC), Boston University Grants for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarship (GUTS), Boston University: University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent University (matching funds), Harvard-NIOSH Education and Research Center under Grant No. 2 T42 OH008416–05. Special thanks to the OERC, in particular, Michael Bartha and Dan O'Dell, Hewlett Packard, All Steel, Logitech, Wellnomics, Peter Johnson, PhD, University of Washington, and Jack Dennerlein, PhD, Harvard University.