Group training with Healthy Computing practices to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI): A preliminary study

This pilot study investigated whether group training, in which participants become role models and coaches, would reduce discomfort as compared to a nontreatment Control Group. Sixteen experimental participants participated in 6 weekly 2-hr group sessions of a Healthy Computing program whereas 12 co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback 2004-12, Vol.29 (4), p.279-287
Main Authors: PEPER, Erik, GIBNEY, Katherine H, WILSON, Vietta E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Applied physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Cumulative Trauma Disorders - prevention & control
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Education
Electromyography
Ergonomics
Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology
Female
Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases
Psychotherapy, Group
Treatment Outcome
User-Computer Interface
Workplace
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Summary:This pilot study investigated whether group training, in which participants become role models and coaches, would reduce discomfort as compared to a nontreatment Control Group. Sixteen experimental participants participated in 6 weekly 2-hr group sessions of a Healthy Computing program whereas 12 control participants received no training. None of the participants reported symptoms to their supervisors nor were they receiving medical treatment for repetitive strain injury prior to the program. The program included training in ergonomic principles, psychophysiological awareness and control, sEMG practice at the workstation, and coaching coworkers. Using two-tailed t tests to analyze the data, the Experimental Group reported (1) a significant overall reduction in most body symptoms as compared to the Control Group and (2) a significant increase in positive work-style habits, such as taking breaks at the computer, as compared to the Control Group. This study suggests that employees could possibly improve health and work style patterns based on a holistic training program delivered in a group format followed by individual practice.
ISSN:1090-0586
1573-3270
DOI:10.1007/s10484-004-0388-z