Ergonomics

Ergonomics are an oft forgotten part of our current lifestyle. Most people spend some time of their day sitting at a desk, staring at a computer screen (like I'm doing right now!), in various states of posture and disarray. I absolutely love lounging back in my typing chair with my keyboard on my lap and my feet up on the desk, twisted away from the monitor, and yes - it causes all sorts of problems if continued for prolonged periods of time.

If you think of the angles, you'll get it right. The computer monitor should be at eye level, your elbows should be bent at a right angle, your feet should be flat on the floor with your legs bent at a right angle. Your wrists should be fluid when you're typing on the keyboard.. not anchored to the desk with the top of your palms angled upwards... they should be nice and flat!

When using the mouse, its quite the opposite - you should pretend the heel of your palm is glued to the desk, placing your whole hand over the mouse with your thumb grasping the left side, and your little finger grasping the right side. Your first two fingers should be resting on the two mouse buttons gently. Now move your thumb and little finger back and forwards WITHOUT moving the heel of your palm. When you run out of space and need to move the mouse further across the screen, pick up the whole thing, and relocate the heel of your palm elsewhere on the table.

The chair you use is also hugely important. It should have a back that is independent from the seat and all parts should be adjustable - the back should move into the small of your back and be able to move up and down. The seat should not only be able to move up and down, but tilt forward, too.

Check out the accessories available at any local office furniture store or computer store, like document holders, monitor arms and footrests for a fully ergonomic setup.

We visited Direct Ergonomics (www.denet.com.au) in Sydney city and 'Back in Business' Physiotherapy in Nth Sydney.

More Info:
General Ergonomics

Back in Business Physiotherapy Links:
Workstation Ergonomics and Posture
Shoulder and Abdominal Region
For deskbound people and climbers

For my fact sheet archive, visit http://www.getmega.com/getmega/todayshow.html

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