Computer-related posture and musculoskeletal discomfort in middle school students

In recent years, there has been an increasing concern over the association between computer use and reports of discomfort, aches and pains in students. It is suggested that the physical set-up and individual styles of using interactive media has an influence over this discomfort. As children grow up, they will interact and use computers throughout most of their life. Healthy computing may be vital to preventing/reducing the incidence of discomfort/pain associated with interactive media. This research paper will describe a study, which has collected health and comfort data on the incidence and prevalence of self-reported computer-related musculoskeletal discomfort/pain among 6th and 7th grade students in three middle schools in New England. General base line data from this three-year study is reported.