Ergonomics in the Arrangement of Educational and Gaming Space - Research Paper Example

In children and adolescents, there are disadvantages in using each of the forms of computer: the furniture used for desktop computers are rarely adjustable for the user’s correct bearing and comfortable use. Laptops are used in various postures such as while lying prone while sitting on the ground and while sitting with the device on the lap. Similarly, hand-held equipment requires constant stooping or bending of a neck. In each of these positions the spine is curved to form abnormal shapes, and the muscles of the neck, back and arms are strained.

Vision problems are also increasingly common. Further, carrying the notebook computer as well as the laptop for long periods can cause muscle fatigue. The availability of an increasing variety of video and computer games to suit all interests is another reason for adolescents spending long hours in front of television sets and computers. TV-based video games are found in 70% of households with children (Roberts et al: 1). In the United States of America, 71% of household with children aged 8 to 17 years had a computer at home in 1999, 67% of whom had internet.

12 to 17-year-olds with access to a computer at home spent an average of 97 minutes on a computer or related technology, daily (Turow & Nir: 6). Growing children continue their sedentary lifestyle even in the playground, using hand-held devices for games or text messaging. The awkward posture adopted while playing these games can cause repetitive strain injuries which are known to occur in adults working with computers for long hours. The physical demands of sustained use could lead to a wide range of adverse health effects in developing children, including visual, neurological and physical changes; and even lead to cognitive and behavioral problems.

Hence it is imperative to evaluate the role of ergonomics in preventing vision and musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper extremities, neck and upper back while taking into account the posture, duration, and frequency of use of computer and television.