Computer-related participatory ergonomic interventions for learners

Computer use is increasing among children and thus the potential for related musculoskeletal pain and postural changes is increasing concomitantly. From an early age children are spending more time in front of computers and television, which encourages a static and passive lifestyle. The cumulative effect of this technology-induced, sedentary lifestyle leads to improper posture as well as pain, repetitive strain injury and dysfunctional movement patterns that can potentially carry into adult life. For this reason, there is a need for designing, implementing and assessing the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention programme in a school environment in South Africa.This book highlights issues relating to body areas most commonly affected by pain among learners routinely exposed to computers; observed posture of adolescents working on computers in a school environment; the attitudes of the teachers towards ergonomics and a solution based ergonomic intervention approach for schools to assist learners in preventative measures for reducing their musculoskeletal pain.