Envelhecimento e usuários de informática : repercussões de um programa ergonômico

Abstract

The aging process provides for the individual physiological adjustments and posture modification. The incorrect usage and the prolonged time in front of the computer can generate unsuitable bodily postures, visual and mental fatigue, muscle esqueletical pain and, consequently, injuries. According to these information, the ergonomics appears to study these interactions aiming at orienting about correct postures, to improve the safety, the comfort and the efficacy of the human activities. This work intends to know the repercussion of an ergonomic program for adults and elderly computer science users. This study is about a quantitative approach almost experimental and qualitative based on the subject analysis, specifically, the technique of the theme analysis of Minayo (2004b). The description of the quantitative variables was accomplished by means of average and standard deviation. To verify if there were significant differences between the anthropometric measurements pre and post ergonomic program it was carried out the Wilcoxon T test, being considered significant the associations with the values of p≤0,05. In this research, nine adults and eight elderly who are used to attending a group of senior citizens participated. The ergonomic program was made of stretching, postural rehabilitation exercises, massage, relaxation and postural orientation, carried out in 11 weeks. As a result of the participants characterization, it was observed that they have a good purchasing power and a school level which reflects in a positive way in the quality of life. The change in the vertebral column obtained a high percentage among the researched subjects, however, there were no significant differences in the anthropometric measurements (adult: height p=0,408, weight p=0,953, body mass index p=0,774; elderly: height p=0,572, weight p=0,898, body mass index p=0,909). However, the computer usage conditions were reasonable. From the appreciation of the qualitative data, the ergonomic program category was divided in three subcategories: meanings and feelings assigned to the ergonomic program; benefits of the ergonomic program performance; and, changes and care with the body posture. The statements identified that the ergonomic program was important related to the postural awareness, movement improvement of the vertebral column and pain relief. Therefore, this study is like a warning for the use of computers, because, the people are not being prepared to use this instrument. It also shows, that computerized environments which are not adjusted for the elderly can attract a big number of incorrect postures and muscle esqueletical pain, but, with orientation and exercises, it is possible to provide body consciousness, to relief the pain and to keep a better body posture