Possible physical risk factors (PRFs) for computer-related musculoskeletal disorders include forces applied to the input devices (the keyboard and mouse), upper extremity postures, and patterns of work and rest activities. The exposure assessment literature related to computer work lacks quantitative data on PRFs in the actual workplace. Studies designed to measure objectively the exposure to these PRFs with instruments such as force sensors and electrogoniometers have been limited to the laboratory setting, mainly due to the lack of equipment development suitable for field studies. While other exposure assessment methods exist, few objectively measure exposure of the musculoskeletal system to multiple PRFs at the computer workstation in the field. A new field-based exposure assessment monitoring system, that measures keyboard and mouse usage, typing and mouse force, wrist postures, and computer work-rest cycles, will be developed. The proposed project will validate the force sensing technologies, the other sensor equipment and the measurement techniques, first in a controlled laboratory study and then in a field study. The overall objective is to investigate how best to measure and characterize physical exposures in order to gain a better understanding of PRFs in the office workplace. In addition, epidemiologic studies have indicated that chronic musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are more prevalent among women than among men. There are many possible explanations for the difference between genders, including differences between the exposure to PRFs. The new exposure assessment system will be tested in a field setting of 60 computer operators (30 men, 30 women) to quantify exposures and determine whether there are differences in exposures to PRFs between genders. The outcomes of this study include a portable, accurate, reliable exposure assessment system for collecting force and usage data in field settings as well as descriptive data of physical exposure differences between men and women.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01OH003997-02
Application #
6344547
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZOH1-MJG (04))
Program Officer
Frederick, Linda J
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2002-09-29
Budget Start
2000-09-30
Budget End
2001-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$121,350
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Asundi, Krishna; Johnson, Peter W; Dennerlein, Jack T (2012) Variance in direct exposure measures of typing force and wrist kinematics across hours and days among office computer workers. Ergonomics 55:874-84
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Bruno Garza, Jennifer L; Catalano, Paul J; Katz, Jeffrey N et al. (2012) Developing a framework for predicting upper extremity muscle activities, postures, velocities, and accelerations during computer use: the effect of keyboard use, mouse use, and individual factors on physical exposures. J Occup Environ Hyg 9:691-8
Asundi, Krishna; Johnson, Peter W; Dennerlein, Jack T (2011) Does elevating and tilting the input device support surface affect typing force and postural exposures of the wrist? Work 39:187-93
Asundi, Krishna; Odell, Dan; Luce, Adam et al. (2010) Notebook computer use on a desk, lap and lap support: effects on posture, performance and comfort. Ergonomics 53:74-82
Chang, Che-Hsu Joe; Menéndez, Cammie Chaumont; Robertson, Michelle M et al. (2010) Daily self-reports resulted in information bias when assessing exposure duration to computer use. Am J Ind Med 53:1142-9
Jacobs, Karen; Johnson, Peter; Dennerlein, Jack et al. (2009) University students' notebook computer use. Appl Ergon 40:404-9
Asundi, Krishna; Johnson, Peter W; Dennerlein, Jack T (2009) Inertia artefacts and their effect on the parameterisation of keyboard reaction forces. Ergonomics 52:1259-64
Barrero, L H; Katz, J N; Perry, M J et al. (2009) Work pattern causes bias in self-reported activity duration: a randomised study of mechanisms and implications for exposure assessment and epidemiology. Occup Environ Med 66:38-44
Won, Erik J; Johnson, Peter W; Punnett, Laura et al. (2009) Upper extremity biomechanics in computer tasks differ by gender. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 19:428-36

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