Asian Journal of Home Science

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

A Study to Identify the Musculo-skeletal Disorders in Women Computer Users


Affiliations
1 Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K. Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Thus, the present study was planned with the following objectives (a) to study the physical features and pattern of computer use by the selected respondents and (b) to examine the musculo skeletal problems faced by women users. Random sampling technique was used to select a total sample of sixty female computer users from all constituent College of the Agricultural University Palampur that is College of Home Science, College of Agriculture, College of Basic Sciences and College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences falling within the age range of 21-35 year who worked at least for two hours daily. The musculo-skeletal problems were identified using the body map to ascertain the degree of severity of pain on a five point scale (Varghese et al., 1996). Most important factor for musculo-skeletal problems was the long work hours in sitting position in the same posture with repetitive movements of the eyes, head, arms and fingers. The results revealed that the height of the computer consoles used by the respondents was 78 cm with keyboard tray height of 68 cm. Majority (63.33%) of the respondents worked very frequently for 4 hours on computers which was one of the most important factors responsible for musculo-skeletal problems because the computer user is constrained due to sitting in the same posture for long period of time. Persistent pain in the neck (87%), shoulder (80%), swelling in lower legs (72%) and numbness in feet (77%) were some of the musculo-skeletal problems faced by the computer users. Thus, it was important that some exercise and 10-15 minutes rest period should be incorporated in between the computer work.

Keywords

Musculo-skeletal Disorders, Computer Users
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Arndt, R. (1983). Working posture and musculo-skeletal problems of VDT operators: review and reappraisal. American Industrial Hygiene Assoc. J., 44(2): 437446.

  • Bhanderi, D.J., Sushil, K.C. and Doshi, V.G. (2008). A community based study of asthenopia in computer operators. Indian J. Ophthalmology, 56 (1):51-55.

  • Carter, J.B.(1994). Musculo-skeletal problems with VDT workers. J.Ergonomics,37(7): 1123-1145

  • Dempsey, P.G., McGorry, R.W. and OBrien, N.V. (2004). The effects of work height, work piece orientation, gender and screwdriver type on productivity and wrist deviation. Internat. J.Industrial Ergonomics, 33(1): 339-346.

  • Grandjean, E. (1988). Fitting the task to the man. (4th Ed.) pp. 35 - 36. Taylor and Francis, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.

  • Kilbom, A.E. (1994). Repetitive work of the upper extremity: Part II-The scientific basis (knowledge base) for the guide. Internat. J. Industrial Ergonomics, 14 (1): 59-86.

  • Varghese, M.A., Atreya, N. Bhatnagar. A. and Chouhan, M. (1996). Development of database for occupational work load and physical fitness status of Indian women DSA project report, SNDT womens University, Mumbai (M.S.) INDIA.

  • OSHA (2003).www.osha.com.


Abstract Views: 298

PDF Views: 0




  • A Study to Identify the Musculo-skeletal Disorders in Women Computer Users

Abstract Views: 298  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Madhu Dadwal
Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K. Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India
Jatinder Kishtwaria
Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K. Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India
Aprajita Katoch
Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K. Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India
Aruna Rana
Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K. Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India

Abstract


Thus, the present study was planned with the following objectives (a) to study the physical features and pattern of computer use by the selected respondents and (b) to examine the musculo skeletal problems faced by women users. Random sampling technique was used to select a total sample of sixty female computer users from all constituent College of the Agricultural University Palampur that is College of Home Science, College of Agriculture, College of Basic Sciences and College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences falling within the age range of 21-35 year who worked at least for two hours daily. The musculo-skeletal problems were identified using the body map to ascertain the degree of severity of pain on a five point scale (Varghese et al., 1996). Most important factor for musculo-skeletal problems was the long work hours in sitting position in the same posture with repetitive movements of the eyes, head, arms and fingers. The results revealed that the height of the computer consoles used by the respondents was 78 cm with keyboard tray height of 68 cm. Majority (63.33%) of the respondents worked very frequently for 4 hours on computers which was one of the most important factors responsible for musculo-skeletal problems because the computer user is constrained due to sitting in the same posture for long period of time. Persistent pain in the neck (87%), shoulder (80%), swelling in lower legs (72%) and numbness in feet (77%) were some of the musculo-skeletal problems faced by the computer users. Thus, it was important that some exercise and 10-15 minutes rest period should be incorporated in between the computer work.

Keywords


Musculo-skeletal Disorders, Computer Users

References