The state of ergonomics for mobile computing technology

Abstract

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.

Smartphone and Musculoskeletal Risk Factors: A Systematic Review

“…The participants in the reviewed studies were primarily females (136 females and 116 males) and were in their 20s [2,5,8,11,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Some of the study participants were more than 30 years old [11][12][13][14][15]; one study did not specify the age of the subjects. Eight articles indicated that the participants are right handed [2,16,18,20,21,[23][24][25][26][27].…”

“…The studies discussed above can serve as a guide for professionals and practitioners in defining the problems related to SP use and establishing the best approaches to preventing such problems as these studies demonstrate the potential damage mechanisms that underlie texting [13]. The aim of the current research was to systematically evaluate previous studies on the manner by which SPs are used and such musculoskeletal risk factors that explored by objective methods.…”

A scoping review on smart mobile devices and physical strain

“…Mobile smart technologies like tablet-pcs, smartphones, smartwatches and different variants of smart glasses, are on the rise in everybody's life [1]. Data for Germany, presented by Bitkom [2], indicate a rise of smartphone usage from 36 percent in 2012 to 65 percent in 2015.…”

“…With the small touchscreens, thumbs can play a more prominent role in operating the device through multitouch gestures. There is a growing concern about detrimental impact on health associated with (extensive) use with respect to musculoskeletal disorders [1,9].…”

Dor e sí­ndromes musculoesqueléticas em adolescentes de uma escola particular e sua relação com o uso de mídias digitais

“…Adentrar o território da escola para a realização de uma pesquisa relacionada à saúde não é tarefa fácil, tanto para a pesquisadora quanto para professores, alunos, dirigentes e funcionários que recebem a Sendo assim, pesquisas adicionais serão necessárias para avaliar o uso ergonômico desses dispositivos eletrônicos (Habibi e Soury, 2015;Gold et al, 2012b;Dennerlein, 2015) e sua disposição tanto em casa quanto nos locais de trabalho, pois a postura desses adolescentes parece ser de importância fundamental na utilização das múltiplas mídias digitais. …”