Grant supports ergonomics assessment tools project

University of Houston-Clear Lake Assistant Professor of Psychology Camille Peres has been awarded a Schlumberger Collaborative one-year award in the amount of $66,700 toward her project titled, “Software Ergonomics Assessment Tools.”

Peres will be working with Assistant Professor of Industrial Hygiene and Safety Magdy Akladios and their students to identify time requirements and muscular strain associated with different methods of issuing commands in Microsoft Word. This research project is a continuation of past research that Peres has accomplished on efficiency with software.

“Previously, I’ve done research on how efficient methods of using software -- for instance, using keyboard shortcuts -- can save people time,” Peres explained. “With this new research, we hope to show that using these techniques can reduce the likelihood of people developing Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

“As computers become more common and even necessary, these types of injuries are becoming more prevalent. Large industries are looking for the predictors of these types of injuries and methods for reducing them. Our research should prove to be an important piece of information in this effort.”

Peres and her team expect to have preliminary results of this research project by the end of this summer and the study completed by the end of December 2008.