COMFORT AT YOUR COMPUTER: Body Awareness Training for Pain-Free Computer Use
by Paul Linden, Ph.D.
First edition published under the title of Compute in Comfort.
Review published in: Physical Therapy, Volume 76, Number 12, December 1996
Compute in Comfort is an excellent resource for anyone who uses a computer. True to its title, the book shows the reader in clear and easy to understand steps how to use a computer in comfort. Dr Linden adroitly synthesizes knowledge from his physical education background (he has both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in physical education) with his extensive body work experience (aikido, yoga, karate, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais Method) in his attempt to reduce computer stress and repetitive motion injuries.
The book is comprehensive and clearly organized. Part 1 is essentially a guided tour of the body with experiential exercises for each body segment aimed at increasing body awareness and comfort. Part 1 also has several sections on movement and relaxation breaks, including 5-second work breaks, 3-minute work breaks, and 20-minute at-home movement sessions. Part 2 focuses on the work environment. It includes information on chair design and its effect on sitting posture, desk height and space, input devices (including keyboard, mouse, trackball, and tablet), monitor placement, and lighting. There are separate chapters on the use of laptops and on standing workstations, as well as a chapter on the general work environment.
The organization within each chapter is clear and consistent. There is a brief introductory section specifying that chapter’s objectives. Each chapter contains movement and awareness activities accompanied by clear illustrations. Key points are bulleted at the end of the chapter. This strategy makes the book easy to read and use.
Compute in Comfort focuses on prevention of computer stress through optimal and efficient use of the body, rather than on expensive equipment that often does not solve the problem. In addition, Linden connects a person’s thoughts and emotions to the physical realm in dealing with computer stress, presenting a holistic and well-balanced approach. This is an excellent book for people at risk for computer stress and for the clinicians who treat them. It functions both as a resource book and as a self-help text. It should also be of interest to companies whose workers use computers. The author should be commended for writing such a clear, concise, and useful text.
Review by Lisa Janice Cohen, PT, OCS
Spaulding Neighborhood Rehabilitation Center at Medford
Medford, Mass
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Stretching in the Office
Bob Anderson, Jean Anderson
From the book’s list of resources:
Rather than present a long list of reference material, we have selected the best books, newsletters, catalogs, and Web sites on the subject and reviewed them here for your convenience.
Books on ergonomics:
Comfort at Your Computer: A practical book with exercises for preventing computer stress, tips on posture, proper sitting, healthy functioning of various body parts, and detailed descriptions of setting up a workstation. The author does not agree with many commonly accepted ergonomics principles and offers unique tips on adjusting and even building a workstation tailor-made to your needs. This is perhaps the best book out there on using the body in a stress-free and comfortable way and for customizing a workstation. There is a section on how to work with a drawing tablet, how to use a laptop, and setting up a standing workstation. A unique and detailed approach.
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