Gravitational demand on the neck musculature during tablet computer use

Abstract

Tablet computer use requires substantial head and neck flexion, which is a risk factor for neck pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the biomechanics of the head-neck system during seated tablet computer use under a variety of conditions. A physiologically relevant variable, gravitational demand (the ratio of gravitational moment due to the weight of the head to maximal muscle moment capacity), was estimated using a musculoskeletal model incorporating subject-specific size and intervertebral postures from radiographs. Gravitational demand in postures adopted during tablet computer use was 3-5 times that of the neutral posture, with the lowest demand when the tablet was in a high propped position. Moreover, the estimated gravitational demand could be correlated to head and neck postural measures (0.48 < R(2) < 0.64, p < 0.001). These findings provide quantitative data about mechanical requirements on the neck musculature during tablet computer use and are important for developing ergonomics guidelines. Practitioner Summary: Flexed head and neck postures occur during tablet computer use and are implicated in neck pain. The mechanical demand on the neck muscles was estimated to increase 3-5 times during seated tablet computer use versus seated neutral posture, with the lowest demand in a high propped tablet position but few differences in other conditions.

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

“…Consistently with the previous studies [15,16], placing a tablet flat on the table (at 0 • ) resulted in significantly greater mechanical demand on the neck muscles than placing tablet in a steep viewing angle (73 • ). In addition, placing the tablet at 0 • on the table for reading caused significantly more flexion of head and neck and three times more mechanical demand on neck muscles compared to its neutral posture [16]. As a result, placing tablet at 0 • on the table is not recommended for reading.…”

Ergonomics at 60: mature, thriving and still leading the way

“…Four of these have appeared to date: Your Open Plan Office Can Make You Ill! (Bodin Danielsson et al 2014); Tablet Use Increases Neck Strain (Vasavada et al 2015); Hard Knocks and High Heels (Hapsari and Xiong 2016); and Surf Smart: Thick Boards and Long Paddles (Ekmecic et al 2016). These cartoons provide a novel, lively means of disseminating the findings of research in the journal beyond its traditional readership (the cartoons can be accessed via the article web pages as supplemental material).…”

“…As Ergonomics enters its 60th year, the journal is mature, thriving and still leading the way. Vasavada et al (2015) gravitational demand on the neck musculature during tablet computer use Baek and min (2015) Blue light aids in coping with the post-lunch dip: an EEg study Young et al (2015) state of science: mental workload in ergonomics Leider et al (2015) Effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints and related work exposures: a systematic literature review van de Ven et al (2015) need for recovery among male technical distal on-call workers chang et al (2016) state of science: occupational slips, trips and falls on the same level Dobres et al (2016) Utilising psychophysical techniques to investigate the effects of age, typeface design, size and display polarity on glance legibility Hapsari and Xiong (2016) Effects of high heeled shoes wearing experience and heel height on human standing balance and functional mobility raffler et al (2016) Factors affecting the perception of wholebody vibration of occupational drivers: an analysis of posture and manual materials handling and musculoskeletal disorders russell et al (2016) A randomised control trial of the cognitive effects of working in a seated as opposed to a standing position in office workers Vasavada et al (2015) gravitational demand on the neck musculature during tablet computer use Bodin Danielsson et al (2014) office design's impact on sick leave rates Pan et al (2011) numerical studies on the microclimate around a sleeping person and the related thermal neutrality issues Bridger, Day, and morton (2013) occupational stress and employee turnover rolnick and Lubow (1991) Why is the driver rarely motion sick?…”

Sex and Height Influence Neck Posture When Using Electronic Handheld Devices

“…This posture is linked to neck pain development (Lau et al, ; Grob et al, ; Ariens et al, ) and the total time spent using a mobile device on a typical day is significantly associated with neck pain reporting (Berolo et al, ). Several studies have focused on the risks and benefits associated with workplace tablet use (Vasavada et al, ; Douglas and Gallagher, , ; Weston et al, ); however, little research exists regarding how this affects the comorbid diseases of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and cervical spine disorder (CSD). While TMD and CSD are diagnosable conditions, the underlying causes of both are relatively unknown, although many authors suggest that height and sex are potential causal factors.…”