Assessment of duration and frequency of exposure of VDT workers to physical risk factors can be automated and be implemented on a large scale through computer software; however, conducting force and postural measurements in the field are costly. Therefore we will develop and validate a task-based exposure assessment tool that integrates individual duration and frequency of the exposure and that accounts for subject variability through measuring the subject's specific intensities of the force and postural exposures. Usage monitors can record the frequency and duration of computer work; however, they record input device activities only and do not directly measure non-input device activities such as viewing the monitor. Most interactions with the computer are bounded by input device use allowing for indirect measurements of non-input device activities by assuming that small input device idle times are periods of non-input device activities. Therefore we will complete a pilot field study to determine the size of these small idles and validate that a computer usage monitor accurately records the complete user interaction. To identify and determine optimal sampling strategies for subject-specific exposure intensities, we will measure forces applied to the mouse and keyboard and wrist posture continuously on the same set of subjects in three scenarios: 1) while completing standardized tasks at a simulated workstation, 2) while completing the same standardized tasks at their own workstation, and 3) while completing their day-to-day work tasks at their own workstation across three days. Combined with a larger scale epidemiology study, these tools will be a critical development in the determination of the dose-response relationship for computer associated musculoskeletal disorders. Technology transfers include potential software products for computer users to monitor their own work patterns.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01OH003997-06
Application #
7257801
Study Section
Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOH)
Program Officer
Frederick, Linda J
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2009-08-31
Budget Start
2007-09-01
Budget End
2009-08-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$277,200
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
149617367
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
Asundi, Krishna; Odell, Dan; Luce, Adam et al. (2012) Changes in posture through the use of simple inclines with notebook computers placed on a standard desk. Appl Ergon 43:400-7
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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