Ergonomic Specialists Analyze Long-Term Health Of Effects Of Texting

November 11, 2009 10:38 a.m. EST

Ambler, PA (AHN) - According to researchers and just simple public observation, most young adults aged 18-21 prefer texting over e-mail or phone calls.

The societal change based on technology has made ergonomics researchers wonder whether it's putting the younger generation at risk for some overuse injuries - once only reserved for older adults who have spent years in front of a computer.

Judith Gold, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work, thinks this might be the case and at a recent American Public Health Association presented her findings. According to her research college students who texted a lot had increased pain in their neck and shoulders than their older counterparts.

"What we've seen so far is very similar to what we see with office workers who've spent most of their time at a computer," said Gold, who directs the Ergonomics and Work Physiology Laboratory.

Ergonomic specialists see numerous similarities in texting and computer typing position . For instance when a person is texting the body is stationary with shoulders in place and back with rapidly moving fingers. This type of "stance" is similar to the position for typing on a computer."

Text messaging is a fairly new technology that has grown in prevalence in the past few years. With its sudden rise in global popularity it has provided a new area of research among ergonomists. Gold continues by saying, "Given the similarities in body position, findings from research on overuse injuries from computers could be applicable here."

Current studies on computer use show office workers are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis. However, given the prevalence of text messaging among young adults, researchers want to delve further into the physiological effects of this latest form of communication. Medical officials agree that the Millenials age group texts the most so it's important to know what the long term health effects could be.