At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students
use computers, according to a recent New York Times article. As a result
of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more
young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer
stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for
children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion
injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the
hands, back, neck and shoulders.
A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."
"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.
What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."
"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.
What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
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If children and adults in your home share the same computer
workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each
child's use.
-
Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below
the child's eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer
off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone
books to reach the desired height.
-
Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An
ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the
small of the child's back for added back support. There should be two
inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The
chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70-
to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.
-
Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing - not angled
up or down. The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your
child doesn't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.
- The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
-
Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that
there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if
necessary.
-
Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes
periodic stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include:
clenching hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10
circles outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them
together for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing
them together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing
them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning
all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.
-
Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and
avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of
water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not
a substitute.
- Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.
