Affiliations: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine,
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Sara Dockrell, Department of
Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St.
James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. Tel.: +353 1 8962126; Fax:
+353 1 4531915; E-mail: sara.dockrell@tcd.ie
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the posture and
musculoskeletal discomfort of secondary school students while working at
computers in school. Students (n = 40) were observed while
working at a computer during their designated computer class. The Rapid Upper
Limb Assessment Tool (RULA) was used to assess posture. A Body Discomfort Chart
(BDC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to record the area(s) and
intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort, if any, experienced by the students at
the beginning and end of the computer class. None of the students' posture was
in the acceptable range (Action Level 1) according to RULA. The majority
(65%) were in Action Level 2, 30% were in Action Level 3, and 5% were
in Action Level 4. There was a statistically significant increase in reported
discomfort from the beginning to the end of the computer class. Longer class
length (80 minutes) did not result in greater reporting of discomfort than
shorter class length (40 minutes).
