Efficacy of body mechanics education on posture while computing in middle school children

The purposes of this pilot study were to examine the working position of middle school children during their media/technology class, test student's knowledge of healthy computing habits, and evaluate the efficacy of two educational interventions compared to a control group.

A multi-group pre-test/post-test design was used. 19 students (mean age 11.6) participated in the study during their media/technology class. Students' postures while computing were evaluated on-site. Additionally five students were video recorded while they used the classroom computers so that on-site observations could be compared to video recorded data. All participants were given a written pre-test prior to educational interventions. The 12-minute educational intervention session focused on healthy computing habits, the importance of stretching, and group performance of specific upper extremity stretches. Additional education regarding overall postural health including good body mechanics was provided to one intervention group.

The results of this study indicate that a twelve-minute educational intervention significantly improved participants' knowledge of healthy computing habits as measured by written pre-tests and post-tests. Participants who received additional education on overall postural health and body mechanics demonstrated the largest rate of improvement in positioning while computing. No statistical difference between intervention groups was noted on post-test scores, which attempted to measure long-term learning of healthy computing habits.

Although more research in this area is warranted, it appears that education regarding correct positioning at computer workstations combined with instructing students on the importance of overall healthy posture may foster correct positioning while students use computers at school.