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Testing Alternative Postures for Computer Operators with Low Back Pain

Today many occupations require extended periods of sitting while working at a computer terminal. Unfortunately, people with chronic low back pain (LBP) may find it difficult to maintain an upright, seated posture (the traditional computer workstation seating configuration). As a result, some employees with LBP take frequent or extended breaks away from their workstation to lie down, thereby relieving the pressure and discomfort on their lower back. This time spent away from the workstation limits productivity and may be the reason that a person with LBP is unable to maintain, advance, or perhaps even gain employment in today’s high-tech workplace environment. In order to address this issue, CATEA’s Workplace Accommodations RERC has been researching, developing, and testing alternative computer workstation solutions that will enable computer users to "lie down" while working.

In recent tests held at CATEA, several volunteers were recruited through the CATEA Consumer Network (CCN) and related contacts to help with this effort. A computer workstation, including a seating system with full tilt and recline capabilities, was constructed to measure typing performance and user comfort in each of five different postures, ranging from upright to fully supine (i.e. lying on one’s back). Several of the targeted volunteers for this test reported that they typically experience discomfort when sitting upright for less than an hour. Although the test took over 2 hours to complete, there was no significant difference in lower back discomfort ratings between the five postures for those with and without LBP. This supports the hypothesis that people who suffer from LBP can obtain relief from LBP while working from alternative postures.

picture of a volunteer trying out reclining computer work station

A CCN volunteer assists with study relating to alternative postures for computer operators with chronic low back pain.

However, initial results also revealed that the ability of the chair to support the user's arms while in these extreme postures is critical to the comfort and typing performance of the user. Without such support, gravity will cause the user's hands to slip off of the "home row" keys. The effort of working against gravity to reach the keys causes fatigue and discomfort in the upper extremities, leading to reduced typing performance. The RERC has developed an alternative design for the upper arm supports and keyboard interface that will improve user comfort and help to maintain performance in these more extreme postures. Testing of this new design is scheduled to begin in February 2007.

This research was conducted as part of the WorkRERC which is supported by grant #H133E020720 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) U.S. Department of Education.

If you would like more information about this project, please visit our website atwww.workrerc.org. If you would like more information about participating in our current study, please contact CATEA at (404) 894-4960 (voice/TTY), toll free at (800) 726-9119, or via email at focusstudies@coa.gatech.edu.