Campus research keys into healthy ways to compute

In a small laboratory in Hensill Hall a student volunteer sits in front of a keyboard typing. Tubes filled with a mint-green fluid are strapped around her upper chest and abdomen to measure breathing. Electrodes attached to her forearm, neck and shoulders measure her muscle responses while a heat-sensitive wire taped to her index finger records temperature fluctuations in her hands. As she leans back from her task the researcher begins to speak.

"This graph represents muscle tension in your forearm," said Dianne Shumay, the coordinator for the Healthy Computing project in the holistic health department, as she points toward a graph on her monitor. "I want you to think about moving your arm."

It works. As the student begins to imagine the muscles in her forearm, the peaks on the graph jump, indicating muscle tension in the limp arm resting across her thighs.

Research in biofeedback, once only the content of science-fiction novels and horror films, came to SF State with Eric Peper almost 20 years ago. An internationally recognized figure in his field, Dr. Peper was one of the original researchers who created the term "biofeedback."

Through his research at SF State, Peper, director for the Institute of Holistic Health, began to see an increase in the incidence of computer-related disorders.

"He began to look at the problem from a research standpoint," Shumay said. "Realizing how many members of the faculty and staff on campus regularly used computers, Dr. Peper approached the department of human resources on campus for funding and began to offer a special training program for them."

The Healthy Computing project, which began in 1994, combines training in relaxation techniques, biofeedback, ergonomics and alternative working habits, to help faculty and staff avoid CRD, or to reduce symptoms already present.

"The program is very empowering because it teaches self-regulation," Shumay said. "Biofeedback helps in learning how to recognize the muscle tension and learning how to let it go, as well as learning how to breathe slowly and regularly."

According to Shumay, high stress, improper breathing, muscle tension, failure to alternate tasks while working and incorrect set-up of the work station, are all risks factors in developing CRD.

"We take a systems approach," Shumay said. "Although carpal-tunnel syndrome is the most famous repetitive strain injury, the most common symptom is neck-and-shoulder pain. But, most often when a person is having wrist-and-arm pain, they are also suffering from neck-and-shoulder pain."

Although the program is currently available only to faculty and staff on campus, students can become involved by registering for a class in biofeedback or volunteering as research assistants.

Richard Harvey, a graduate student in research psychology working with the Healthy Computing project has been researching ergonomics and the position of the mouse. Harvey's research shows that students can decrease their muscle tension and risk for CRD, by placing the mouse in the center of their work stations, rather than to the right, which increases muscle strain.

To help avoid CRD students can make changes in their lifestyles.

Shumay said students can take microbreaks, where every 30 seconds the hands should be removed from the keyboard for a 1-to-2-second break, which will allow the muscles to relax. Shumay also recommended taking a stretch break every 15 minutes and remembering to look away from the screen.

"Yes, life is stressful," Shumay said. "But look at how you can react a little bit differently in your body. Instead of having something done to you, look at how you can do something for yourself."

[ Golden Gater Online March 12, 1996 ]

[ Top of document ]