Typing Performance and Body Discomfort among Overweight and Obese Office Workers: A Pilot Study of Keyboard Modification

Bishop, Gary*; Smith, Matthew ; Congleton, Jerome
(Intel Corporation, Chandler, AZ)

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Abstract: Obesity in the workplace is associated with loss of productivity, high medical care expenses, and increased rates of work-related injuries and illness. Thus, effective, low-cost interventions are needed to accommodate the size of today’s obese office worker while alleviating potential physical harm associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Utilizing a sample of 22 overweight and obese office workers, this study assessed the impact of introducing an alternative, more ergonomically-sound keyboard on perceptions about design, acceptability, usability, and comfort; typing productivity; and self-reported body discomfort. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and objective typing tests administered at before and after the intervention. After switching from their standard work keyboard to an alternative keyboard, all participants reported significant decreases in lower back discomfort (t=2.14, P=0.044); although obese participants reported significant decreases in both upper (t=2.46, P=0.032) and lower (t=2.39, P=0.036) back discomfort. No significant changes were observed in overall typing performance scores from baseline to follow-up. Findings suggest that such interventions may be introduced into the workforce with positive gains for workers without reducing short-term worker productivity. Highlights  We introduced an alternative, more ergonomically-sound keyboard to overweight/obese office workers and examined changes in typing productivity and self-reported body discomfort  After using an alternative keyboard for 3 weeks, participants reported significant decreases in lower back discomfort.  After using an alternative keyboard for 3 weeks, obese participants reported significant decreases in upper and lower back discomfort.  No significant changes were observed in overall typing performance scores from baseline to follow-up

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