Stay Healthy Using Computers and Other “Stuff ” Jeffrey Chung, Ph.D August 8, 2002

What is Ergonomics? Called Ergonomists or Human Factors Scientist Study people through:  Anatomy (body)  Kinesiology (movement)  Psychology (behavior)  Engineering (design) Design and build things to help people work safely and efficiently. Teach people how not to hurt their bodies

The Human Body Skeleton Muscles Tendons Ligaments Nerves

We’re All Different Sizes What if you use things that don’t fit your size?  TOO SMALL Could you still do things as quickly, correctly, comfortably and safely?  TOO BIG

Where Do You Use Computers? Science CampBaby Support Class Home Library Computer Games Hand Held Games

Are Computers Safe to Use? While computers are educational and fun, what are they doing to your bodies?

When There’s Bad “Fit”Ergonomics When using computers the wrong way: with eyes  Problems with eyes  Trouble with posture, back, neck, arms and hand muscles

Bryan- Not a Cool Dude Anymore! Age 5 – Video Games Age 8 – Gets 1 st PC Dream Job – Be a programmer Age 14 – Stiff fingers and cramped hands slouching long hours over PC Age 18 – Quits Computing Science major in college; (can’t type – hands numb) Dream Job – GONE! CNN

Fuzzy Eyes and Bad Backs! Too much computer use in the WRONG WAY can cause problems to your body:  Eyesight  Musculoskeletal pain  Long-term posture effects Creating a mis-matched over a long period of time could lead to vision (nearsightedness) and joint, muscle, tendon and back problems.

Other Ergo Problems Gripping and writing with pencils and pens Carrying school books and supplies in backpacks  home to school and back  between classes

What Can You Control? (for how long) (fingers/hand/arms/back) Body Posture/Body Position Force (how hard we grip) Frequency (how many times) Duration

Bad Ergonomics

You might not be able to: (1) put your feet on the floor (2) reach the keyboard (3) have a level view of the computer monitor (4) maintain a correct posture to type and view the computer monitor

“Good” Ergonomics Neutral position Feet on floor or use box Mouse that fits hand Keyboard near lap height Head straight; eyes at top of monitor Eyes (18”–22”) from monitor; avoid glare Elbows at 90 o, arms at sides (no reaching) wrists straight Back rest Stretch & Exercise Time outs/take breaks - 45 minutes Support your body

Watch the Hand Movements! DON'T hold your wrists at a dangerous angle! DO keep your wrists in a straight neutral line!

WATCH IT ! WATCH IT ! Heavy Backpacks Backaches OUCH!

Backpacks: Wrong Way = Backaches ! WRONG : over 1 shoulder WRONG : too heavy

Safe Way to Wear Backpacks Step 1: Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. (Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly). Step 2: Pack only what you need – 15% of how much you weigh (Tip: If backpack forces you to lean forward to carry, it's overloaded).

Safe Way to Wear Backpacks Step 3: Lift Right - face the pack, bend at the knees, use both hands & check the pack’s weight. Lift with the legs; apply one shoulder strap, then the other. (Tip: Don't hang backpack only on one shoulder. Step 4: Wear Right - use both shoulder straps - snug, but not too tight. (Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap - use it).

Digital Exercise – Squeeze ! Stretch and Strengthen Arms, Hands & Fingers

Before We End, Remember... Poor posture and awkward body movements can become habits. Habits hard to change more you do them over and over again. Bad ergonomic habits cause you to get hurt when you grow bigger and older. Always do things staying in NEUTRAL POSITON as often and as long as possible!

Got Questions?

How Our Body is Supported

How Our Body Moves Muscles – Tendons – Ligaments