5 of 5

Write now Article Tools

It is an unfortunate fact that 64% of school age children suffer from back pain. Why? Poorly fitted and over loaded back packs. Consider also that most children spend at least part of their free time engaged in games and activities on electronic equipment designed for adult sized users. The keyboards require them to stretch their hands or assume unnatural positions to work the controls. Most desk chairs are too big for a child and so offer little or no support. Even the height of the computer desk places the monitor too high and the child has to crane their neck to see properly. All of these adjustments, although small individually, can add up to a child with sore muscles and general body discomfort by the end of the day.

Ergonomics is the science of people-machine relationships. Properly sized and placed equipment will help prevent injury and allow for comfort and efficiency in the equipments use.
Let's start with the backpack. It should come to one or two inches below the shoulders and no more than four inches below the waist.
Nobody should carry more than 25 pounds on their back. A first grader who weighs around sixty pounds should not carry more than 5 pounds. Make it a habit to step on the scale and check the weight your child is carrying. If necessary complain to the school about overloading the children and prioritize what gets carried each day. Make sure your child has equipment appropriate to their size and that he or she is aware of proper body mechanics.
Their feet should be able to sit flat on the floor and still have the back of the chair support their lower back. They should not have the seat against the back of their knees or their knees higher than their hips. The top of the monitor should be even with their forehead. When watching television, they should be far enough away that they don't have to crane their neck to see.
They should not have to reach for either the keyboard or the mouse.
Their forearms should rest comfortably with wrists straight and their shoulders and upper arms should be relaxed.
Stress the importance of stretching and shifting position frequently. Forget the idea that sitting still is good. Today's health professionals recommend micro breaks every 10 to 20 minutes. A micro break is one to three minutes to stand and stretch and shift position. This relieves the stress on muscles forced to maintain the same position for extended periods of time. It is also a good idea to schedule other activities that use large muscle groups and use the muscles that get tired from inactivity. Varied activities prevents fatigue in overused muscles. Using the proper sized equipment prevents strained muscles caused by compensating for awkward positions. Most importantly, and awareness of proper body mechanics and stretching exercises helps prevent fatigue and repetitive stress injuries

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Albillar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to ergonomics for children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!