Promoting healthy computer use: timing-informed computer health animations for prolonged sitting computer users

Accompanying the increase in computer and Internet use worldwide, physical inactivity has become prevalent in most developed and developing countries. Extended computer use may contribute to symptoms such as visual impairment and musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce the risk of physical inactivity and promote healthier computer use, this study tries to develop a timed broadcast of health-related animations for users sitting at computers for prolonged periods. In addition, we examine the e ects that the program has on the computer-related health beliefs and behaviour of participants. Before-and-after survey questionnaires were used for data collection. The results show that the animation program indeed had a positive e ect when reminding participants to take a break and stretch their bodies. The program in uenced the beliefs and behaviours of participants with regard to their health. The development and examination were documented and discussed within the context of health agencies planning the next steps in an e ort to promote, develop and evaluate healthy computer use.