The Relationship between Computer-Related Discomfort and Everyday Activities

Abstract

Computer use is a risk factor for musculoskeletal discomfort which is associated with reduced productivity and work performance. However, little is known about the effect of computer-related discomfort on the performance of daily activities. This paper describes the severity of discomfort and problems with daily activities and demonstrates the associations between discomfort and daily activities. 75 computer-users rated the severity of their computer-related discomfort and the severity of daily activity problems. Analysis suggested that while the majority of computer users experienced mild discomfort and no problems with daily activities, a minority experienced moderate to severe discomfort and problems. Multiple regression analyses indicated that severity of discomfort was associated with severity of problems and that the back and right arm/hand had the greatest frequency of associations with problems of daily activities. These results underline the toll that computer-related discomfort can have on all activities in a workers life.