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The effectiveness of ergonomic intervention in the classroom
Janette Shinn1, Kari-Ann Romaine, Tara Casimano
1Touro College, School of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Bayshore, NY, USA.
Objective:
To see if an in-service on proper body mechanics and ergonomics for computer workstation usage can increase a student's knowledge regarding these areas.
Study Design:
This was a quasi-experimental design using a questionnaire. Subjects included seventy-three male and forty-four female sixth-grade students enrolled in a word processing class at a New York Middle School. A non-standardized demographic and ergonomic based questionnaire was administered before and after an in-service. An environmental checklist was used to formulate a percentage of ergonomically correct computer workstations.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post-test scores, indicating that learning took place. Pre-test scores suggest that there exists a need for ergonomic education in classrooms. Results from an environmental checklist support the need for revision of computer workstations in classrooms.
Conclusion:
Ergonomic education is one way to help students to reduce their risks of developing musculoskeletal injury in a classroom environment that impedes correct positioning.