Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program on Computer Related Health Problems

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effects of Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program on computer related health problems of computer users. Material and Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental research with a single serial cohort was conducted on 64 staff members of the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. The experiment was implemented over a period of 6 months. The interventions consisted of self care, computer ergonomics, and the Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program. Each intervention was implemented for 8 weeks in sequence starting with self care, followed by computer ergonomics, and the Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program. The effects of the Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program were compared with those of self care and computer ergonomics. The severity of computer syndromes was measured using the Severity of Computer Syndromes Scale. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Least Significant Difference as post hoc analysis. Results: The Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program could significantly reduce most signs and symptoms of computer syndromes including headache, dry and burning eyes, eye strain, neck pain, shoulder pain and upper back pain (p<0.01), lower back pain and stress (p<0.05). There were no significant effects of self care and computer ergonomics on computer syndromes. Conclusion: The Computer Ergonomics and Yoga at Work Program effectively reduced most signs and symptoms of computer syndromes. However, the success of the program implementation in any workplace requires adequate support from the workplace organization at possibly the policy level as it might need a short work absence during working hours to practice yoga.

Keywords

• computer ergonomics
• computer syndromes
• workplace
• yoga