Promoting the Healthy Occupation of Computer use y College Students: an Ergonomic Workshop
Graduation Date
2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Karen Pitbladdo, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Abstract
Students who are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms may not be aware of what is causing their pain or how it developed. Many colleges and universities have implemented computer ergonomic workshops on their campus, emphasizing concepts such as risk factors associated with computer use, adopting good body mechanics, g rest and stretch breaks, workstation setup, and available ergonomic computer equipment.
The purpose of this project was to provide computer ergonomic workshops based on evidence-based intervention and education focusing on education and primary prevention about computer-related musculoskeletal disorders. The project was grounded in principles of ergonomics, and supported by adult learning theory and biomechanical frames of reference. According to the findings of this project-based study, participants can benefit from a one-hour computer ergonomic intervention that focuses o and awareness in the context of providing strategies, information, and resources about computer-related musculoskeletal disorders. They can also develop healthy behaviors and attitudes related to computer use. The target population was students, faculty, and staff of Dominican University of California in San Rafael, California. The population was chosen because it used computers on a daily basis for academic, leisure, and/or work related activities.
Occupational therapy also has a significant role to play in treating individuals with computer-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and helping them return to their tasks, roles, and activities with an optimal level of functioning is significant to occupational therapy because ergonomics is becoming a recognized field of occupational therapy practice. One goal of ergonomics workshops is to educate and prevent computer-related injuries among college students, who will become tomorrow’s workers.