Anthropometric home office computer workstation setup for online learning

Abstract

Online learning is form of study which acquires vogue, both at undergraduate and graduate degrees. It comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. Therefore computer use highly involved in such learning programs. This study aims to design anthropometric home office computer workstation setup for online learners. Anthropometric measurements were collected from 10 respondents (7 male and 3 female) to design a home office computer workstation to reduce the perceived musculoskeletal discomfort. Electromyogram experiments - before and after intervention - ontwo different computer workstationswere conducted to find out the muscle groups exposed to pressure during online learning activities. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results show that the design of computer workstation for online learners has validated impact on risk factors of musculoskeletal discomfort. Correlation analysis confirms that the relations between surface electromyogram (sEMG) activities in new design were less than those in the old design. Discriminant analysis shows that the classification scores were significantly reduced by the developed new computer workstation design. The significance of this study is to provide muscle discomfort reducing furniture and user-friendly interfaces during online learning. Such proper home office computer workstation is necessary to prevent strain injuries which can lead to long-term disabilities.