Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:32
Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
[Musculoskeletal disorders among university student computer users]
A Lorusso1, S Bruno, N L'Abbate
1Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Bari.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|March 7, 2009
Summary
Computer use among university students leads to frequent musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly neck and hand pain. These issues, along with ergonomic risks, worsen throughout their studies, highlighting a need for computer ergonomics education.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among computer users.
- Epidemiological studies link ergonomic factors and work organization to these disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Estimate musculoskeletal symptoms in university students using personal computers.
- Investigate occupational exposure and symptom prevalence.
- Assess knowledge of computer ergonomics and health risks.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 183 architecture students (2nd and 4th year).
- Questionnaire data on personal characteristics, computer use ergonomics, and musculoskeletal symptoms (neck, upper limbs).
Main Results:
- Fourth-year students showed higher exposure to risk factors (duration, breaks, mouse use, workstation ergonomics).
- Neck pain (69%) and hand/wrist pain (53%) were most common.
- Prevalence of neck and hand/wrist symptoms was significantly higher in fourth-year students.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in students with prolonged daily computer use.
- Ergonomic/organizational risk factors and symptom prevalence increase with study duration.
- Low student awareness of computer-related health risks necessitates ergonomic education.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...