BU Professor's Software Helps Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries Among Kids

Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Boston --- Recent studies have shown an increase in the number of children spending time at computers, in school and at home. Stretch Breaks for Kids is a new, free, downloadable program for Windows that helps reassure parents and teachers concerned that computer use is putting their kids at risk for repetitive stress injuries. The program leads kids through a series of stretch breaks that help maintain circulation and muscle stimulation while reminding young computer users of safe and healthy positioning at workstations.

Kids can follow the demonstrations on the pop-up windows and perform different sets of exercises at intervals. Kids can decide which stretches they want to do, in what sequence they occur, and how often they want to stretch. Each session lasts several minutes and concludes with a tip for correcting posture or workstation logistics. Parents and teachers can download the program for free at http://people.bu.edu/kjacobs.

Renowned ergonomics expert Karen Jacobs, former president of the American Occupational Therapy Association and clinical associate professor at Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Dr. Arthur Saltzman of Para Technologies, co-developed the program. Stretch Breaks for Kids is successor to Stretch Break for Windows, the award-winning computer program from ergonomics software publisher, Para Technologies.

"The Stretch Breaks for Kids program enriches any school district's technology plan and belongs in any home where parents want to protect their children from musculoskeletal injuries by encouraging healthy computing habits," says Karen Jacobs. "Improper posture and positioning at computers such as slouching and sitting too far from screens and keyboards are well-documented as risk factors for strain injuries among kids. This program directly addresses these risks and raises awareness among parents, teachers, and kids."

Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is an institution of higher education and research whose premier academic programs prepare dynamic health care professionals and whose research and leadership in the health and rehabilitation sciences is actively shaping the future landscape of health care. For more information about Sargent College and to learn about their degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, communication disorders, health sciences, athletic training, nutrition and rehabilitation counseling, visit http://www.bu.edu/sargent.