University students are self-reporting musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this research study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing their self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students, who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, participated in this study. Participants who received notebook computer accessories and those who received these accessories and participatory ergonomics training reported a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort. A significant increase in rest breaks occurred with a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using WorkPace®, a computer usage software.
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