"If Japan is the hub of the console industry, then neighboring South Korea is the hub of the online gaming industry - most notably, the massively multiplayer online gaming industry. " (Fahey R. 2005) In this regard Korea is known as the world's "most wired society" (ibid) and the amount of tie spent on online gaming is very high, making it a country where rates of DVT can be expected to increase. The fact that gaming is so popular has been "implicated in the deaths of young players who played for so long that they developed deep vein thrombosis. " (ibid)

The above facts form the foundation of the present proposal. The aim of this study is firstly to ascertain the importance of computer usage and the role that Internet cafes play in the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis. To this end various studies and reports such as the New Zealand study referred to above will be consulted. Questions such as, to what extent is extensive computer usage a significant factor in DVT and what role do Internet cafes play in these problems, will be investigated.

Secondly, the various factors which can alleviate and prevent DVT will be investigated. This area will include a survey and analysis of various Internet cafes and records of Internet users who have acquired DVT as a result of extensive computer usage. The study will also have to take into account other variables which are common in those who are most likely to suffer from DVT. These include variables such as obesity, blood diseases that lead to clotting, smoking, and those with a family history of DVT. (Callaghan G. 2001)

These facets will have to be taken into account in relation to the amount of time subjects spend in front of the computer.

There are also various aspects that can reduce the possibility of DVT, which will also form an important part of the study. These include the practice of good ergonomic principles while seated in front of a computer for lengthy periods of time. For example, doctors urge "... flexing your toes and ankles, drinking water, and avoiding alcohol

Computer users who sit for a long time should get up and stretch their legs at least once an hour... Taking an aspirin, which helps to thin the...

2003) These factors will be taken into account when preparing preliminary studies and interviews. It is felt that the that theoretical component of the proposed study should be compared with to quantitative as well as qualitative surveys and samples in certain specified areas, in order to attain the highest degree of verifiability.
The reason and motivation for this study is that the initial implications of the preliminary study indicate that computer and Internet related DVT is a real problem which is increasing in relation to the increasing number of Internet users and number of Internet cafes. This is particulars the case in Asia and a study of this nature is deemed to be important, not only to ascertain the extent and range of the problem, but also to discuss the viability of solutions and remedies that can be applied.

Bibliography

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Beware 'e-thrombosis': it could be terminal. Retrieved Mat 25, 2005 from the Guardian. Web site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/news/0,12597,884805,00.html

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Callaghan G. (2001) Blood Clots From Prolonged Flying or Sitting? Retrieved May 27, 2005 from Australian Magazine. Web site: http://www.karinya.com/dvt.htm

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