IMPACT OF POSITION OPTIMIZATION ON COMFORT AND WORKING POSTURE PREFERENCE FOR COMPUTER OPERATORS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

摘要

Many computer operators, such as those with chronic low back pain (LBP), may benefit from alternative working postures. Advances in computer technology are making changes to traditional computer workstations more feasible. However, many computer workstations do not appear to provide adequate postural support for people who might benefit from alternative working postures. This paper describes the results of a study investigating the impact that position optimization has on user comfort and working posture preference. The results of two tests are compared. In the first test, computer peripherals and postural supports were positioned for each participant, while in an upright seated posture, then maintained in those relative positions for each of five different working postures. In the second test the postural supports and computer peripheral positions were adjusted to maximize user comfort in each posture. The results indicate improved user comfort with the optimized positioning, and a change in the preferred working postures for people with and without chronic LBP.