Ergonomic computer equipment is a multi-million dollar industry, providing everything from desks and chairs to mice, and keyboards to computer users. In addition to proper equipment, how a user is positioned while using a computer is critical. Ergonomics is simply designing equipment and environments so as to minimize exertion and fatigue by users (see definition below).

Ergonomics is often overlooked in the classroom, where teachers and students alike can benefit. Schools should incorporate ergonomic equipment and educate students, who as likely lifelong users of computers and other technology from an early age are prone to suffer physically with prolonged use of non-ergonomic computer equipment.

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Furniture

Ergonomic furniture isn't simply comfortable. Chairs must place users' feet comfortably on the floor. Tables must put keyboards at a height where users may easily type with the arms bent at a right angle while the user's fingers rest on the keyboard. One solution is to have a special shelf or bracket to hold the keyboard at the correct height, even if the table is relatively high.


You will find computer users who have expensive ergonomic chairs, sit on rubber balls, tuck their feet under, or simply sit at appropriately-sized regular chairs. In a school setting, there should be a variety of chairs and tables or, better still, students and teachers should able to adjust the height of both the chair and the computer table. This can be expensive, so many schools adopt a "one size fits all" approach that ignores the very small or very tall.

Computer Equipment

Mice and keyboards, as well as the computer monitor should minimize wear and tear on wrists and allow students to sit upright, looking straight at the monitor. Keyboards range from curved keyboards, to split keyboards, and some that are quite odd. Mice include ergonomic roller balls, curved mice, and wireless mice. Having a roller wheel on the mouse helps reduce arm movements, and an optical mouse is preferable to one with a ball. Finally a monitor -- preferably flat panel to reduce eye strain and use less space -- should be positioned with a tilt and at a height that places the top of the screen just about even with the eyes. For flexibility, those with a budget can mount the monitor on an adjustable bracket.

Posture & Seating

Even with proper furniture and computer equipment, users can still use computers in a non-ergonomic way. Proper, neutral posture while at a computer includes the following:

• Back supported by chair (sitting back in chair with back >90° and well supported) 

• Chair seat should not compress behind the knees 

• Feet firmly on a surface for support (floor/footrest) 

• Head balanced on neck (not tilted back or too far forwards) 

• Popliteal angle >90° (i.e. angle behind the knees should be open) 

•  Upper arms close to body and relaxed (not abducted to the side or flexed forward) 

• Elbow angle >90° (forearm below horizontal)

• Wrist neutral (<15°) (wrist/hand level with forearm)

Just as importantly, students (and teachers) should not be sitting at a computer for extended periods of time without at least a chance to get up and stretch. You can even do exercises at your computer to help reduce strain.

For images of poor versus improved student posture and computer use, visit the Cornell University Ergonomics Web.

Medical Complications

Carpal Tunnel (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) and Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) are not the only problem associated with bad ergonomics, although they are a major concern as they often require surgery to alleviate. Other possible medical conditions include eye strain, neck and back pain, and even conjunctivitis and dermatitis. And don't forget the ever-present worry of head lice from shared headphones. Take a look at these guidelines from Leapfrog:

Eye Strain:

• Position your terminal at right angles to the window if possible; avoid facing directly into bright light (coming at you from behind your computer screen).
• Install an anti-glare screen.
• Adjust the brightness controls on the screen until they are comfortable to your eyes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Adjust your chair or table height to have your elbow angle at 90-100 degrees.
• Position your keyboard so that you don't have to bend your hands uncomfortably upward to reach the keys; place a raised wrist rest on the table in front of the keyboard if necessary.
• Clinch your fists, hold for one second, then stretch your fingers out wide and hold for 5 seconds.
• Organize your workday, if possible, to intersperse other tasks with your computer work so that you're not sitting at the computer for several hours without a break. Variety is key.
• Hold the mouse loosely and click lightly.

Neck and Back Strain:

• Check your posture - sit up straight. Thanks Mom.
• The monitor screen surface should be approximately 18-24 inches away from your torso.
• Preferably chairs should be on wheels, have backrest tilt adjustment, and have arms.
• Be sure you have enough desktop space for work papers and other equipment.

Conjunctivitis (itchy, bloodshot eyes) and Dermatitis:

• Be sure the screen doesn't flicker or wave - this could indicate that service or adjustment is needed.
• Look away from the screen periodically.
• Don't forget to blink - your eyes need the moisture.

Head Lice:

• Assign individual, personal headphones (dollar store)/
• Clean headphones, if possible, along with the computer equipment itself. 
• Don't allow students with lice to share headphones.
  

Additonal Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor OSHA Ergonomic Solutions
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Computer Workstation Ergonomics
• Ergonomics for Computer Workstations from National Institutes for Health
• Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School (Oregon OSHA Grant)
• Making Johnny Sit Up Straight (Wired Magazine)
• Computer Ergonomics for Teachers and Students (PDF - OSHA Grant)
• Computer Ergonomics for Desktop Computer Users (PDF - OSHA, California)
• Cornell University Ergonomics Web
• Computer Related Repetitive Stress Injury

Definition

(1) er·go·nom·ics (ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks) Pronunciation Key n.

1. (used with a sing. verb) The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Also called biotechnology, human engineering, human factors engineering.
2. (used with a pl. verb) Design factors, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by minimizing operator fatigue and discomfort: The ergonomics of the new office were felt to be optimal.