According to a recently released study, and maybe common sense and logic, people with arthritis or fibromyalgia frequently have discomfort or problems using computers. This can contribute to work limitations.
Nancy A. Baker, of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and team performed an analysis of data from 359 participants with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia who completed a survey about their computer use and discomfort and specific problems while using computer equipment.
The majority of the study group (76.5%) reported discomfort with use of at least one item of computer equipment. The largest number (54.9%) of this group reported discomfort during chair use. Other items that were identified with problems and discomfort:
- keyboard
- mouse
- monitor
Fibromyalgia Patients were more likely to report more problems, more severe discomfort, and more significant limitations related to computer use than people with the other conditions, the researchers found.
“The ability to use a computer appears to be one method to prevent work limitations and eventual work disability, as well as a vital tool for both work and home activities. Therefore, health professionals must work with people with arthritis to identify problems experienced during computer use and implement computer workstation modifications to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable use of all computer equipment,” the authors conclude.
Results of the study were published in the May 15 Arthritis Care & Research.
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I have fibromyalgia and I can use a computer within limits. The issue is really that people with Fibromyalgia may not be able to stand or sit at a computer for very long due to fatigue and muscle spasms or pain. It likely has nothing at all to do with using the proper equipment! I can use a computer just fine, but I cannot sit at any desk or table for more than 15-30 minutes at a time, no matter how ergonomic it is. I am tired of reading "news" where people with Fibromyalgia are made to believe if they only did something better they could be cured. Advertisers use our guilt over these types of issues to sell us useless products, and it is a crying shame that vulnerable patients should be treated in this manner.
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