Carry that weight

CBC News: Children suffer back pain because of computers

Okay, so this researcher in England studied the way kids use computer workstations, and he concludes that because workstations are designed for adults, this is causing back pain in kids:

"Buckle says his study of 2,000 youngsters found that 36 per cent of 11 to 14-year-olds suffer serious, ongoing back pain. He says the physical effects don't go away.

"The workforce of tomorrow is already damaged before starting the rigours of an adult working life."

Buckle's remarks are supported by a recent study by Cornell University in New York. The research examined children between the ages of eight to 11-and-a-half years old as they used computer workstations at school. Researchers discovered:

* students used monitors and keyboards that were too high
* many did not have hand or palm rests
* children sat either too far forward or too far back
* many lacked back support on their seats and others left their feet dangling

Buckle called for more user-friendly equipment for children. He'd also like to see ergonmic principles in place at schools."

Okay, I'm sure there are ergonomic issues there, but hel-lo! Spurious conclusion warning! Before the media splashed this study all over the newswires, did anyone think to ask Mr. Buckle, "uh, could back pain in kids possibly be caused by any other factors in their lifestyle? Like maybe that 100-lb back pack slung carelessly over their shoulders day-in, day-out for years?" Maybe things are different in England, but 'round here, some of these back packs are as big as the kids that are carrying them! And what do they put in there? Soldiers in full combat gear carry less shit than that!

I tell ya, if you're thinking of going into medical school, go into chiropractics. It's the growth industry of the future.

Anyway, I thought this was an interesting example of both "researcher tunnel vision" and media thought-paralysis.