The impact of computer display height and desk design on muscle activity during information technology work by young adults

Straker, Leon; Pollock, Clare; Burgess-Limerick, Robin; Skoss, Rachel; Coleman, Jemma

doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2006.09.015

Cited by 65 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…According to one study, a higher screen height setting is positively correlated with a more erect neck angle (mean coefficient of correlation = 0.94), and EMG activity in the neck muscles is related to neck angle [6]. As a result, higher display locations (e.g., the top of the screen set at the participant's eye height) generally leads to neutral positions of the neck and head, while lower display locations (e.g., the screen set horizontally on the desk) leads to increasing flexed postures of the head and neck and is hypothesized to be a risky position, one that may cause heavy loads and strain on the muscles and thereby put users at risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort or pain [3,7,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploration of the associations of touch-screen tablet computer usage and musculoskeletal discomfort

Chiang

Liu

2016

WOR

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Abstract. BACKGROUND:Tablet users may be at high risk of developing physical discomfort because of their usage behaviors and tablet design. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the usage of tablets, variations in head and neck posture associated with different tablet tilt angles, and the association of tablet use with users' musculoskeletal discomfort. METHODS: A survey of users' subjective perceptions conducted by questionnaire and measurements of users' postures by a 3D Motion analysis system was used to explore the effects of tablet use. RESULTS:The questionnaire results indicated that over half of the participants reported physical discomfort after using tablets, with the most prevalent discomfort in the neck and shoulders, and more intensity of discomfort for the back although only few participants experienced it. Chi-squared tests indicated that significantly more participants who tended to use tablet computers to play games reported having musculoskeletal discomfort after using a tablet. In addition, preferences for tablet tilt angles varied across tasks (reading and game playing). The results from the 3D motion analysis revealed that head and neck flexion angles were significantly reduced when the tablets were positioned at relatively steep tilt angles. Neck flexion angle was significantly higher in game playing. CONCLUSIONS: These data add information regarding to the usage of tablet and its associations with physical discomfort (significantly more participants who tended to use tablet computers to play games reported having musculoskeletal discomfort after using a tablet). Steep tilt angles (such as 60• ) may cause tablet users to decrease their head and neck flexion angles, which could lead to a more neutral, effortless, and ergonomically correct posture. Maintaining proper neck posture during active activities such as game playing is recommended to avoid neck discomfort.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploration of the associations of touch-screen tablet computer usage and musculoskeletal discomfort

Chiang

Liu

2016

WOR

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“…Working with notebook computers on the lap is associated with even more head and neck flexion [26,27]. This can be attributed to the lower screen height of a notebook computer, which has been reported several times as a significant factor for head and neck discomfort [28,29]. These postures can be improved by raising the monitor height with lap desks, inclines, a riser, or external monitor [23,26].…”

Section: Notebook Computingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The state of ergonomics for mobile computing technology

Dennerlein

2015

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Abstract. BACKGROUND:Because mobile computing technologies, such as notebook computers, smart mobile phones, and tablet computers afford users many different configurations through their intended mobility, there is concern about their effects on musculoskeletal pain and a need for usage recommendations. OBJECTIVE: Therefore the main goal of this paper to determine which best practices surrounding the use of mobile computing devices can be gleaned from current field and laboratory studies of mobile computing devices. METHODS: An expert review was completed. RESULTS: Field studies have documented various user configurations, which often include non-neutral postures, that users adopt when using mobile technology, along with some evidence suggesting that longer duration of use is associated with more discomfort. It is therefore prudent for users to take advantage of their mobility and not get stuck in any given posture for too long. The use of accessories such as appropriate cases or riser stands, as well as external keyboards and pointing devices, can also improve postures and comfort. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the state of ergonomics for mobile technology is a work in progress and there are more research questions to be addressed.

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“…For example, in our study population, a higher proportion of forearm supported strategies with keyboard use was observed in workers with the desk level above their elbow height (71.4%) than those of workers with the desk level at to be associated with higher screen height (Kietrys et al, 1998;Seghers et al, 2003;Straker et al, 2008a). This recommendation is based on the natural visual angle of the eyes even though these studies also observed less cervical extensor muscle activity (no differences in trapezius activity) with higher screen levels (Seghers et al, 2003;Straker et al, 2008b).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Laboratory studies have investigated the relationship between workstation design and work task, postural adaptation, and muscle recruitment patterns during computer tasks (Aaras et al, 1997;Burgess-Limerick et al, 1999;Kotani et al, 2007;Stansfeld and Candy, 2006;Straker et al, 2008b; Grace P. Y. Szeto et al, 2005;Visser et al, 2000). Straker et al (2008b) found that gaze, head, neck and trunk angles became more pronounced the lower the computer screen height which was also associated with greater activity of the trapezius, cervical and 37 thorax erector spinae, muscles.…”

Section: Workplace Physical Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Workplace Physical Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A longitudinal study of risk factors for non-specific neck pain in office workers

Jun¹

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Neck pain at work is associated with reduced productivity, work absenteeism, and often requires treatment resulting in substantial costs to society. Working with a computer has been linked to the development of neck pain. Computer work is a constant factor in the office work environment, and within industry, office workers show the highest incidence of neck pain among all occupations. Therefore prevention of neck pain for office workers has become a priority. While there is an emerging body of literature investigating risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers it is evident that major gaps still exist. For example, a current model exploring the aetiology of neck pain in workers (Bone and Joint Decade Task Force Model) has not sufficiently explained physical risk factors (workplace and worker), not explored the role of coping on the interaction between workplace psychosocial factors and psychological distress, and has not considered the impact of cultural diversity. The aim of this thesis is to address these deficits.In Study 1 physical risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers were evaluated through a systematic review with meta-analysis. The review highlighted the poor standardization and quantification of working postural behavior that was mostly limited to subjective or momentary observational assessments.In Study 4 a direct quantitative measure of postural behaviour (percent of time spent in neutral upper body posture) with during office work using wireless sensors was developed with known measurement properties (good to excellent reliability) which could be included in the longitudinal study.A longitudinal study of 220 office workers (160 from Brisbane, Australia and 60 from Daegu, South Korea) without neck pain was recruited from industry. These office workers completed baseline self-report questionnaires measuring psychosocial factors, psychological distress, and coping resources. Follow-up measurements were taken over a 12 month period to evaluate the incidence of neck pain. Physical factors (postural behaviour during office work, neck range of motion, and upper body physical performance) were also evaluated at baseline. 3In Studies 5 and 6, measurements recorded at baseline were analyzed to clarify the physical and psychosocial characteristics of the office worker sample. Study 5 showed that the relationship between job strain and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) was moderated by coping strategies. In particular a greater dependence on escape coping strategies enhanced the effect of job strain on depression symptoms, which was in turn reduced when accompanied by higher levels of social support.Study 6 showed that postural behaviour of office workers was governed by multiple factors including both workplace and individual factors. In particular, ergonomic factors (e.g., higher desk height, greater distance on desk top between keyboard and the edge of desk), individual physical factors (e.g., less neck flexor strength/endu...

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The impact of computer display height and desk design on muscle activity during information technology work by young adults

Cited by 65 publications

References 33 publications

Exploration of the associations of touch-screen tablet computer usage and musculoskeletal discomfort

Exploration of the associations of touch-screen tablet computer usage and musculoskeletal discomfort

The state of ergonomics for mobile computing technology

A longitudinal study of risk factors for non-specific neck pain in office workers

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