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Abstract

Sedentary computer work is widespread and typically occurs at a fixed-height seated workstation. Both neutral and at-risk postural classes of the back and neck were observed among 11computer-intensive workers using such workstations who had reported high discomfort levels. Four video recordings of approximately 1 hour each over the working day were analyzed to determine the percent duration and number of observations of each body and neck posture. Risky slouching (32.3% ±17.3%) and neck forward postures (16.9% ±12.3%) varied significantly by participant but not by time of day. Absence from video field of view of the workstation was not negligible, occurring 23.8%±14.8%. Postural changes of slouch and neck forward occurred several times during each recording (4.8±1.9 and 2.5±0.9, respectively) and varied significantly by participant but not over the day. Despite these postural adjustments, the prevalence of risky postures suggests that static workstations are fundamentally problematic.

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Observed postural variations across computer workers during a day of sedentary computer work

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