Product Review of Reclining or Supine Computer Workstations
By Haynes, Scott, MBME; RESNA 28th International Annual Conference 2005: Atlanta, Georgia,Publication Date: 2005
Study conducted to compare 24 alternative computer workstations designed to allow people with lower back pain to access a computer from a significantly reclined or supine position. Four different types of systems were evaluated in the study: (1) laptray systems, which are designed for use when sitting on a flat surface with legs outstretched, (2) boom support, which consists of a broad or weighted base that rests on the floor and a vertical support column, (3) crossbar support, which has a main structural component that crosses over the user and the support surface, and (4) integrated chair, which incorporates a chair into the workstation. These types of workstations were evaluated in terms of their compatibility with standard computer components. Comparison results indicated that almost half do not support full-sized monitors and keyboard, while only 33 percent allowed access to a full-size computer from both a reclined and supine position. The authors contend that problems with component adjustment make such systems less than optimal for accommodating people with lower back pain. This paper was presented at the 2005 annual conference of RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and is available on CD-ROM.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Link to text: http://resna.org/ProfResources/Publications/Proceedings/2005/Research/JEA/Haynes.php
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O16169
