RESEARCH STATEMENT

Dr. Jacobs’ research examines the interface between the environment and human capabilities. In particular, she has examined the individual factors and environmental demands associated with increased risk of functional limitations among populations of university and middle school aged students, particularly in computing and backpack use. Presently, she is conducting an epidemiological study on musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use in university students.

ERGONOMICS LAB

Dr. Jacobs is presently conducting research in the following areas:

Middle school students and their notebook computer use
Wii Health: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Wii on University Freshmen

Dr. Jacobs has completed research in the following areas:

Backpack usage and self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in university students (June Mung Yuing Hu, Karen Jacobs, & Michael Pencina)

University students and their use of notebook computers: Phases 1, 2, & 3

Use of computer aided instruction (CAI) with high school students (collaborating with the Boston Public Schools)

Middle school students and their use of interactive media.” (Karen Jacobs & Kathryn Runge)

The usability of personal digital assistants (PDAs) to manage health care decisions at the point of care

Effects of a backpack safety & injury prevention program with school-aged children (collaborated with Dr. Shelley Goodgold, ScD, PT (Simmons College)

University students and their use of notebook computers: Phase III

Middle school students and their notebook computer use

Backpack usage and self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in university students (June Mung Yuing Hu, Karen Jacobs, & Michael Pencina)

University students and their use of notebook computers: Phases I & II

Use of computer aided instruction (CAI) with high school students (collaborating with the Boston Public Schools)

Middle school students and their use of interactive media.” (Karen Jacobs & Kathryn Runge)

The usability of personal digital assistants (PDAs) to manage health care decisions at the point of care

Effects of a backpack safety & injury prevention program with school-aged children (collaborated with Dr. Shelley Goodgold, ScD, PT (Simmons College)

The following projects were completed, under Dr. Jacob's supervision, by students in the Master of Science program in occupational therapy at Boston University:

"The prevalence of computer related musculoskeletal complaints in college students" (Audra Hamilton and Christine Connelly)

"Gender-age environmental associates of middle school student’s low back pain with backpack use”. (Hsin-yu Chiang)
Perceived knowledge of occupational therapy services and referral frequency among physicians working with children (Diana Marshak)

The following are projects were completed by former students in the entry-level Master of Science program in occupational therapy at Boston University. Three of these projects were published in issue 18(3) in the journal, WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, & Rehabilitation. (www.iospress.nl)

Efficacy of body mechanics education on posture while computing in middle school children (Gretchen Rowe)
The effectiveness of a home-based ergonomics intervention on the proper use of computers by middle school children (Chad Williams)

Efficacy of education on posture while wearing backpacks in middle school children (Amy Feingold)
Time use outcomes for adolescents participating in a family and schools together (FAST) program (Erin Leigh Basquill)
The effectiveness of a family-based skills training program on time-use and time-use satisfaction in parents with adolescents (Meghna Gandhi)

Perceived knowledge of occupational therapy services and referral frequency among physicians working with the geriatric population (Elizabeth Sawyko)