Benefits of laptop computer ergonomics education to graduate students

Abstract

Laptop computers are used more often than desktop computers, especially among graduate students. Many common laptop habits can have severe physiological effects on the user ranging from eye strain, poor posture, upper extremity pain, and overuse injuries. Thus, it is important to educate students on the best ergonomic po-sition to use laptops. This study investigates the efficacy of a laptop ergonomic education ses-sion and its effects on graduate students' knowledge and behaviors regarding proper laptop use. A convenience sample of control and experimental groups was used and con-sisted of 83 occupational therapy (OT), 63 physical therapy (PT), and 26 nurse anesthesia (NA) graduate students. The sample size was 172, with 94 graduate students in the control group and 78 graduate students in the experi-mental. All study participants completed an ini-tial ergonomics questionnaire. The experimental group was given an ergonomics education ses-sion following the questionnaire. Approximately 4 weeks after both groups completed the initial questionnaire; a follow up questionnaire was administered. Results showed that subjects demonstrated a statistically significant im-provement in ergonomics knowledge after they completed the ergonomic educational session. Some participants reported making adaptations to laptop positioning and equipment use fol-lowing the educational session. Thus, partici-pating in ergonomic education can positively influence awareness of body mechanics relative to laptop workstation design.