Know and understand health issues including repetitive strain injury (RSI), back problems, eye problems, headaches

The Effects of Using IT – Health Issues (IGCSE 0417 Section 5.2)

Prolonged use of computers, tablets and other digital devices can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems. The following notes are organised exactly as required by the syllabus – symptoms → causes → preventive actions – and include a concise revision box for quick exam recall.

1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Typical symptoms (2‑3 key points)

• Tingling or “pins‑and‑needles” in fingers, hands or forearms.
• Aching, loss of strength or reduced dexterity in wrists, elbows or shoulders.

Common causes (most frequently examined)

• Continuous typing or mouse use for >30 min without a break.
• Wrist flexion/extension caused by a tilted keyboard or high‑raised mouse.
• Excessive grip force or high DPI settings that require fine, repetitive finger movements.

Preventive actions (exam‑focused – three core actions)

1. Take a 5‑minute break every 30–45 minutes (stand, stretch, move).
2. Maintain a neutral wrist position – use a flat or slightly negative‑tilt keyboard and keep wrists straight.
3. Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse that fit the hand comfortably; adjust DPI so larger arm movements replace fine finger motions.

Additional helpful measures: wrist rests, hand‑and‑arm stretches, and adjusting chair height to keep forearms level with the desk.

2. Back Problems

Typical symptoms

• Dull ache or stiffness in the lower back.
• Difficulty standing upright after long periods of sitting.
• Occasional radiating pain into the hips or thighs.

Common causes

• Chair without adequate lumbar support or with incorrect height.
• Monitor positioned too low or too high, forcing a forward lean.
• Slouching, cross‑legged sitting or leaning on one hip.

Preventive actions (exam‑focused)

1. Adjust chair so feet rest flat on the floor and knees are at ~90°.
2. Use lumbar support (built‑in or a small cushion) to maintain the natural S‑curve.
3. Place the monitor at eye level, about an arm’s length away (50–70 cm).

Extra tip: stand, walk and stretch for a few minutes each hour.

3. Eye Problems – Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Typical symptoms

• Dry, watery or burning eyes.
• Blurred or double vision after prolonged screen use.
• Headaches linked to eye strain.

Common causes (key points)

• Screen glare or inappropriate brightness.
• Viewing distance too close (< 40 cm) or too far (> 80 cm).
• Reduced blink rate while concentrating; blue‑light exposure from high‑intensity LEDs.
• Poor ambient lighting (bright windows or dim rooms).

Preventive actions (exam‑focused)

1. Apply the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 min look at something ≥ 20 ft (≈ 6 m) away for at least 20 s.
2. Adjust screen brightness to match the room and use an anti‑glare filter.
3. Maintain a viewing distance of 50–70 cm and keep the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level.

Additional notes: remind students to blink regularly and consider lubricating eye drops if required.

4. Headaches

Typical signs

• Throbbing or pressure pain around the forehead or temples.
• Sensitivity to light or noise.
• Often accompanied by neck tension.

Triggers linked to ICT use

• Extended screen time without breaks (eye strain).
• Poor posture or unsupported neck (muscle tension).
• Glare, flickering or excessive brightness.
• Dehydration or skipping meals during long study periods.

Preventive actions (exam‑focused)

1. Maintain good posture and an ergonomic workstation (see checklist).
2. Take regular short breaks – the same 5‑minute break used for RSI.
3. Ensure adequate lighting, minimise glare, stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.

5. Stress & Fatigue (Additional – mental‑health enrichment)

This topic is not required for the core 5.2 syllabus but is useful for broader understanding.

Typical signs

• Difficulty concentrating, “brain‑fog”.
• Irritability or anxiety when away from the device.
• Physical fatigue, yawning, reduced motivation.

Preventive actions

1. Schedule a 10‑minute digital‑free break each hour.
2. Balance ICT work with physical activity and leisure using a planner.
3. Use the 20‑20‑20 rule as a mental reset as well as an eye‑care measure.
4. Seek support from teachers or school counsellors if anxiety persists.

Ergonomic Workstation Checklist (Quick‑Reference)

Key Revision Box – One‑Page Cheat‑Sheet

Additional Points Worth Knowing (optional for exam)

• Duration of exposure: Health problems become significantly more likely when ICT use exceeds 2 hours per day without breaks.
• Eye accommodation: Prolonged near‑focus forces the ciliary muscles to stay contracted, leading to fatigue; the 20‑20‑20 rule relaxes accommodation.
• Blue‑light concerns: High‑intensity LED screens emit blue light that can disrupt circadian rhythms and increase eye strain; using a blue‑light filter or “night mode” can help.
• Legal/organisational responsibility: Schools have a duty of care to provide ergonomic workstations and to educate pupils about safe ICT use (Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974 – UK context).