On Sat, 2008-08-23 at 22:00 -0400, Adam wrote: > I'd like to see a presentation about ergonomics sometime. It's not > Linux-specific, but it applies to all of us. For example, I just > replaced my cheap computer chair with an equally cheap chair but with > arms, and I'm really amazed at the difference. How can we all use our > computers more safely and more comfortably? MHCUG had a useful > presentation on this some years ago, given by a physical therapist. > Does anyone know anyone knowledgeable who might be willing to give a > talk about this at some point? > > Meanwhile, would anyone be able to share any suggestions, or good links > on this topic?
Cornell University has an ergonomics department. Their website has interesting information pertaining to computer workstations. Just Google Cornell ergonomics. Professor Galen Cranz (an architecture professor) wrote a book titled "The Chair". She maintains that the conventional chair is ill suited to human anatomy. She advocates "balanced seating" using a "kneeling chair". Her book is available at Adriance Library. Things from and/or about her are also available online. If you do a search on Google Groups, you can find many discussion threads from various Usenet newsgroups by programmers discussing ergonomic chairs. Lots of stuff on the Aeron, for example. Given the high cost of many ergonomic chairs, I've decided to emphasize an alternative approach. It is often recommended to take a stretch break roughly every hour. Also, you can incorporate into a strength training program exercises that strengthen the lower back and related muscles. This strengthening, hopefully, counteracts the ill effects of many hours of poor posture in front of a computer. _______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Jun 4 - Sqeak! and eToys Jul 2 - KVM (Tenative) Aug 6 - Zenos Sep 3 - TBD
