Impact of Working Posture on Comfort and Typing Performance
By Haynes, Scott MBME; Grubbs, R.L., MEd; Endicott, Sarah, OTR/L; Williams, Karen, BEME; Williams, Mike, PhD; RESNA 29th International Annual Conference 2006,Publication Date: 2006
Study conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a previous study that found no significant difference in typing performance and comfort for people with lower back pain when using a straight keyboard while sitting in alternative postures such as lying fully supine or sitting with a marked seat pan tilt. A total of 13 people with lower back pain participated in the study, in which a Position Dynamics Optima tilt/recline wheelchair seating system was mounted to a fixed base. A keyboard tray was attached to the armrests to maintain keyboard position during tilt and recline motions. Monitor adjustment allowed for angles to vary between 90 degrees (upright) and 0 degrees (face down). Typing tests were conducted via Typing Master Pro Version 6.30 software. No significant differences in typing performance were found, which suggests that working from a reclined or supine position does not reduce typing productivity. Typing speed was found to increase as the participants became more used to new postures, as this is a result that requires further investigation. The project was funded by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Workplace Accommodations.
Assistive Products Discussed: OPTIMA 2G
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
