No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Ergonomic recommendations when texting on mobile phones
Abstract
The aim of this report was to give ergonomic recommendations in order to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms/disorders among young people due to intensive texting on mobile phones. In a study of 56 Swedish young adults (19-25 years, 41 with musculoskeletal symptoms in neck and/or upper extremities and 15 without symptoms) registration of thumb movements with electrogoniometry, muscle activity with electromyography and observation of texting technique were conducted during texting on mobile phones. The results showed differences in physical load between the group with musculoskeletal symptoms and the group without symptoms. There were also found differences in muscle activity and kinematics between different texting techniques. These differences could not be explained by the asymptomatic group having symptoms but may be a possible contribution to their symptoms. According to these results it can be recommended to support the forearms, to use both thumbs, to avoid sitting with the head bent forward and to avoid texting with high velocity in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders when using mobile phones for texting.
... There are numerous symptoms which are associated with text neck such as pain of neck and tightness caused by sustained position which leads to problems in the musculature, shoulder spams and tightness which is very commonly seen creating excessive load on the muscles of arm, hence performance will be affected as productivity decreases and fatigue increases due to lactic acid formation. Long term existence of forward head posture and round shoulders leads to spinal degeneration, compression and various other pathologies of spine and upper extremity [2,9,10]. Management protocol includes a combination of ergonomic, physical therapeutic and lifestyle moderation instructions. ...
... Management protocol includes a combination of ergonomic, physical therapeutic and lifestyle moderation instructions. Ergonomic guidelines have to be followed as a preventive strategy hence it is essential to have support under forearm while typing, extreme flexion of neck has to be avoided and one should avoid typing at high velocity [10]. ...
... There are numerous symptoms which are associated with text neck such as pain of neck and tightness caused by sustained position which leads to problems in the musculature, shoulder spams and tightness which is very commonly seen creating excessive load on the muscles of arm, hence performance will be affected as productivity decreases and fatigue increases due to lactic acid formation. Long term existence of forward head posture and round shoulders leads to spinal degeneration, compression and various other pathologies of spine and upper extremity [2,9,10]. Management protocol includes a combination of ergonomic, physical therapeutic and lifestyle moderation instructions. ...
... Management protocol includes a combination of ergonomic, physical therapeutic and lifestyle moderation instructions. Ergonomic guidelines have to be followed as a preventive strategy hence it is essential to have support under forearm while typing, extreme flexion of neck has to be avoided and one should avoid typing at high velocity [10]. ...
Background: Text neck syndrome is a terminology used to describe a repetitive stress injury which occurs when individuals keep
... Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the use of smartphones for the use of different applications [1,2]. A study in Sweden found that 99% of the population aged 15 to 24 has a mobile device, and of these 82% have a Smartphone [3]. ...
... In Mexico, 71.5% of the population has some type of mobile phone, and 66.3% of them have a Smartphone [4]. Children, teenagers, and young adults are of particular interest due to the increase use of these devices for a variety of activities [1,5]. Studies show that over 90% of young adults use mobile phones daily in leisure and 41.6% of all young adults use mobile phones daily at work [6][7][8][9]. ...
Background:
The use of smart phones is now part of the daily routine throughout the world. Morphological alterations have been described associated with telephone holding technique, as well as clinically significant alterations related to their use.
Objective:
The objective was to determine the macroscopic morphological changes due to smartphone use in the fifth finger of the hand with which the smartphone is commonly used.
Methods:
University students were invited to participate. Photographs of the dorsal region of both hands were taken using a millimeter paper as background. After calibrating the ImageJ software, photographs were analyzed in pairs obtaining areas of asymmetry. Sociodemographic information and technique of use was collected through a survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.
Results:
A total of 143 participants were included. The mean age was 20 years. No significant differences were found between the area of asymmetry and the miniferet of both fingers of the subjects compared with age, gender, BMI, daily time of use, years using a smartphone or the type of holding technique.
Conclusions:
No asymmetric changes were evident between left and right small fingers in relation to the holding technique of a smartphone in a young adult population.
... In brief, long-term neck flexion posture could result in muscle fatigue, pain and possible neck disorders. To address this issue, several studies have recommended that subjects remain in a neutral position when using handheld electronic devices to prevent subsequent musculoskeletal disorders [2,[7][8][9][10]. ...
... The duration and frequency of use, as well as the weight of the mobile device, could also affect the load on the upper extremities. Accordingly, to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms/discomfort due to mobile phone use, it is recommended that one should support the forearm and prevent forward head and neck bending [10]. ...
Purpose
A slouching posture during smartphone usage increases gravitational loadings on the cervical spine, which may lead to neck pain and degeneration. The objective of the present study was to investigate the head, neck and trunk angles in different smartphone-usage postures, as well as the posture-correction effects and comfort scores of three neck collars.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study in which 41 healthy young subjects aged 18–25 were recruited. The head, neck and trunk angles were measured in all participants during a neutral position and three smartphone-using postures, including sitting with and without back support and standing. The postural correction and comfort scores of three collars (Aspen Vista, Sport-aid and our customized 3D printed collars) were compared.
Results
Smartphone use increased the head and neck flexion angles in all postures, and sitting without back support showed the greatest head and neck flexion angles. The posture-correcting effect of the customized collar was better than the Aspen Vista and Sport-aid collars. In addition, the customized collar was more comfortable to wear than the other two collars in most contact areas.
Conclusion
Smartphone use increased both the head and neck flexion in different postures, and the proposed customized 3D-printed cervical collar significantly reduced the head and neck angles.
Graphical abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. Open image in new window
... According to the results of Gustafsson (2012) to avoid thumb pain, it is recommended to use both thumbs, avoid sitting in a forward position and text slowly when using phones, and only for a few minutes at the time [12]. ...
... According to the results of Gustafsson (2012) to avoid thumb pain, it is recommended to use both thumbs, avoid sitting in a forward position and text slowly when using phones, and only for a few minutes at the time [12]. ...
... Complaints include damage to the joints and arthritis in the fingers and wrist (Ming 2006), tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath) (Storr 2007), tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon), and fibromyalgia (Sharan and Ajeesh 2012). Neck and shoulder complaints are also mentioned (including thoracic outlet syndrome) (Berolo 2011;Gustafsson 2012). In addition to the case reports there are a small number of laboratory studies into the mechanisms that could cause these disorders (Gustafsson 2012). ...
... Neck and shoulder complaints are also mentioned (including thoracic outlet syndrome) (Berolo 2011;Gustafsson 2012). In addition to the case reports there are a small number of laboratory studies into the mechanisms that could cause these disorders (Gustafsson 2012). ...
The Internet and the use of portable computers, mobile phones and tablets have increased the importance of ‘new ways of work’. This work, which is place- and time-independent, can lead to more autonomy and greater flexibility for workers, but it also carries serious physical as well as psychosocial risks according to this working paper. The author of this report focuses on the hidden dangers of these new ways of working: techno-stress, techno-addiction, the blurring of boundaries between work and private life, burn-outs and overtiredness, safety risks and ergonomic problems. The paper analyses the European legislation on safe and healthy working conditions and how it can be applied to this new way of working. Last, but not least, it underlines the importance of this new societal issue for workers’ representatives.
... Além das melhorias implantadas nos tradicionais computadores, também houve a criação dos notebooks, que proporcionaram vantagens de mobilidade aos usuários, devido à possibilidade de utilização sem que o aparelho precise estar ligado a tomadas. Com o passar dos anos, cada vez mais tecnologias foram desenvolvidas, dentre as mesmas, o telefone móvel se destaca pois permitiu aos usuários, acesso à internet, comunicação rápida e de maneira compacta (1,2,3) Todavia, estas facilidades geram pelas posições inadequadas mantidas, falta de pausas, somado ao sedentarismo e nível de estresse elevado por exemplo, enormes riscos a sintomas ou lesões osteomioarticulares. (4,5,6) . ...
Introdução: As tecnologias portáteis cada vez mais estão sendo utilizadas e tornaram-se necessárias para o dia a dia da população de maneira geral, entretanto, o uso em excesso, más posturas durante o uso, padrão inadequado ergonômico, potencializado pelo sedentarismo, estresse, expõem seus usuários a riscos de desenvolver processos agudos e crônicos de dor e possíveis lesões osteomioarticulares. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência dos sintomas osteomioarticulares pelo uso de tecnologias portáteis em docentes de uma instituição privada. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e observacional transversal, de caráter quantitativo, composta por uma amostra de 68 docentes do centro de ciências biológicas e da saúde na Universidade da Amazônia. Os dados obtidos, e variáveis encontradas foram analisados de maneira rigorosa, visando eliminar erros no processo de mensuração e análise pelo pesquisador, utilizando o programa Microsoft Excel® 2010, para a tabulação dos dados e elaboração das tabelas. Resultados: Como resultados, foi constatado que docentes de uma instituição privada apresentam sintomas osteomioarticulares pelo uso de tecnologias portáteis em grande maioria e em mais de um segmento do corpo. Discussão: Quando comparado a outras evidências recentes, os resultados obtidos pelo estudo revelam dados condizentes. Conclusão: A partir dos dados obtidos pode-se estabelecer notória prevalência de sintomas osteomioarticulares durante o uso do smartphone e notebook, e tais queixas, são relacionadas principalmente ao tempo de uso, somado a fatores psicossociais também alterados.
... It is assumed that a two-handed grip imposes lower strain to the musculoskeletal system and higher SP stability; however, it results in static posture in the neck region. On the other hand, a one-handed grip provides a smaller neck forward flexion angle (Gustafsson, 2012;Xie et al., 2018) while increasing muscular activities in the forearm region (Xie et al., 2015). ...
Objective
The present study aims to evaluate the effects of posture, task, and handgrip style on discomfort, neck kinematics, and concomitant muscular activity when using a smartphone (SP).
Background
Along with the popularity of smartphones, musculoskeletal disorders have become prevalent among smartphone users. However, comprehensive aspects of discomfort, kinematics, and electromyographic responses across various conditions remain to be investigated.
Method
Twenty-four young smartphone users performed typing, video watching, and reading tasks while holding the smartphone both with one hand and with two hands while either sitting or standing. Neck kinematics and muscular activities were simultaneously recorded.
Results
Working with SPs led to higher discomfort in the neck ( p = 0.01), lower back ( p = 0.01), and shoulder ( p = 0.04) while sitting as compared to standing. Sitting was associated with greater neck flexion and more minor lateral bending for all tasks and grip styles ( p < 0.05). Electromyographic analysis indicated significant differences between sitting and standing, with alterations being dependent on the test condition. Moreover, neck kinematics and muscular activities significantly differed based on the task nature, handgrip, and interactions.
Conclusion
This study highlights the risk of using smartphones in increased neck angle flexion and muscular activities fatigue. Thus, posture and handgrip should be considered while using SPs. As each test condition affects a specific dependent variable, a holistic approach is required to evaluate the responses of SP users’ musculoskeletal systems.
Application
Results can be applied to develop guidelines for musculoskeletal disorders/discomfort prevention among SP users, especially with the rise of smartphone use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
... Studies have shown that neck aches, wrist pain, and shoulders and hands problems are prevalent in students who use mobile devices like phones and tablets [56]. Bending over or squatting in the long-run creates musculoskeletal problems in children [57]. Studies have reported trivial forms of accumulated disorders in students who use mobile phones [58,59]. ...
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The school is one of the most critical social, educational, and training institutions and the main pillar of education in society. Education and, consequently, educational environments have the highest effect on the mentality, development, growth, welfare, concentration, performance, and learning efficiency of students. 18 19 20 OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the effects of environmental ergonomics on the learning and cognition of preschool students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
... presence of supports such as armrests or backrests had an impact on the postures adopted by subjects (Gustafsson 2012;Syamala et al. 2018). ...
79% of smartphone users carry their phone 22 hours a day. In this context, the main task worldwide, texting, is performed under a wide range of light and position conditions. The aim of this study was to test the effects of environmental illumination and screen brightness settings on upper limb and axial skeleton parameters. Twelve subjects performed three trials of texting under three experimental positions, two screen luminance settings and three environmental light conditions. 3D axial skeleton and upper limb angles, smartphone orientation and face-to-smartphone distance were used as dependent variables. High environmental illumination and/or low screen brightness resulted in an increase in interaction time and a reduction in the face-to-smartphone distance by approximately 10%. Subjects attempted to compensate for the unfavourable effects of such light conditions by adopting postures rated 5 in the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, indicating an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Practitioner’s Summary: The purpose of the study was to quantify the joint angles of the upper body in experimental conditions that represent daily life. Postures were influenced by ambient illumination and display brightness. The most harmful postures were observed when the display brightness was minimum, and the ambient light was similar to a sunny day.
... The selection criteria of this systematic review were then applied and 17 more studies were excluded. 6,12,15,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Following this selection process, 11 papers were eligible to be included in the review. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] Additionally, a reference search was conducted using the reference lists of relevant papers to retrieve any missing references. ...
The number of smartphone users is growing dramatically. Using the smartphone frequently forces the users to adopt an awkward posture leading to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders and pain. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of studies that assess the effect of smartphone use on musculoskeletal disorders and pain. A systematic literature search of AMED, CINAHL, PubMed, Proquest, ScienceDirect using specific keywords relating to smartphone, musculoskeletal disorders and pain was conducted. Reference lists of related papers were searched for additional studies. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the modified Downs and Black checklist. From 639 reports identified from electronic databases, 11 were eligible to include in the review. One paper was found from the list of references and added to the review. The quality scores were rated as moderate. The results show that muscle activity of upper trapezius, erector spinae and the neck extensor muscles are increased as well as head flexion angle, head tilt angle and forward head shifting which increased during the smartphone use. Also, smartphone use in a sitting position seems to cause more shift in head–neck angle than in a standing position. Smartphone usage may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of the included papers should be interpreted carefully in light of the issues highlighted by the moderate-quality assessment scores.
... There has been a harmful increased use of and addiction to mobile phones for texting, especially among young people, in recent years, combined with the growing prevalence of neck pain (Nordicom, 2010;Hoy et al., 2014b;Lin et al., 2015;IBGE, 2011). This situation raises a hypothesis, based on biomechanics, that the inappropriate neck posture to text and read on mobile phones could be one of the reasons for the increasing prevalence of neck pain (Gustafsson et al., 2011;Gustafsson, 2012;Hansraj, 2014;Guan et al., 2015). In a recent longitudinal study, Gustafsson et al. (2017) found an association between texting on mobile phones and the persistence of neck pain. ...
Background: There is a hypothesis that the growing use of mobile phones in an inappropriate posture to text and read (text neck) could be a reason for the increasing prevalence of neck pain in the past decade. Before testing if there is an association between text neck and neck pain, it is necessary to develop reliable pragmatic tools appropriate to epidemiological studies. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the self-perception of text neck, as well as the reliability of physiotherapists' classification of the text neck. Methods: The convenience sample was composed of 113 high school students between 18 and 21 years old from a cross-sectional study. As their self-perceived posture, participants had to choose in a questionnaire one of four neck postures of a person texting on a mobile phone. The physiotherapists classified lateral photographs taken with the participants texting on a mobile phone in their habitual posture as 1 (normal), 2 (acceptable), 3 (inappropriate), and 4 (excessively inappropriate). Results: The results showed that the test-retest reliability of the self-perception was substantial (kappa = 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.86). The reliability of the physiotherapists' responses, according to the photographic analysis considering the three raters, was moderate (kappa = 0.5, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.61). Seventy-six percent of the participants with appropriate posture in the photographic analysis self-reported an inappropriate posture. Conclusion: This study showed that the self-perception of the neck posture during mobile phone texting is reliable over time and that the physiotherapists' classification based on photographic analysis was acceptable for epidemiological studies. Participants had a tendency to report that the posture was worse than it actually was in the photographic analysis performed by the physiotherapists.
... Furthermore, a forward head posture may increase the mechanical load on joints and ligaments of the cervical spine and may boost the demand on the posterior neck musculature by the increased gravitational moment [13][14][15]. Altogether, these facts raise a biomechanically based hypothesis that the inappropriate neck posture to text and read on a mobile phone, called text 1 3 neck, may be the main explanation for the increasing prevalence of neck pain in this population [12,13,[16][17][18]. ...
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between text neck and neck pain in young adults.
Methods:
Observational cross-sectional study with 150 18-21-year-old young adults from a public high school in the state of Rio de Janeiro was performed. In the self-report questionnaire, the participants answered questions on sociodemographic factors, anthropometric factors, time spent texting or playing on a mobile phone, visual impairments, and concern with the body posture. The neck posture was assessed by participants' self-perception and physiotherapists' judgment during a mobile phone texting message task. The Young Spine Questionnaire was used to evaluate the neck pain. Four multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association between neck posture during mobile phone texting and neck pain, considering potential confounding factors.
Results:
There is no association between neck posture, assessed by self-perception, and neck pain (OR = 1.66, p = 0.29), nor between neck posture, assessed by physiotherapists' judgment, and neck pain (OR = 1.23, p = 0.61). There was also no association between neck posture, assessed by self-perception, and frequency of neck pain (OR = 2.19, p = 0.09), nor between neck posture, assessed by physiotherapists' judgment, and frequency of neck pain (OR = 1.17, p = 0.68).
Conclusion:
This study did not show an association between text neck and neck pain in 18-21-year-old young adults. The findings challenge the belief that neck posture during mobile phone texting is associated to the growing prevalence of neck pain.
... This indicates that cervical flexion during smartphone use is a common habit which may or may not be a contributing factor to chronic neck-shoulder pain. Gustafsson (2012) compared between the most common textentry methods, two-handed texting and one-handed texting, on the motor control of thumbs, recommending two-handed texting to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, effects of these text-entry methods on other parts of bodies have not been reported, making it difficult to provide evidence for the development of ergonomic recommendations to prevent neck-shoulder pain. ...
To advance our understanding about the association between smartphone use and chronic neck-shoulder pain, the objective of this study was to compare spinal kinematics between different text-entry methods in smartphone users with and without chronic neck-shoulder pain. Symptomatic (n = 19) and healthy participants (n = 18) were recruited and they performed three tasks: texting on a smartphone with one hand, with two hands, and typing on a desktop computer. Three-dimensional kinematics were examined in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions for each task. This study suggests that altered kinematics may be associated with pain since significantly increased angles of cervical right side flexion during smartphone texting and greater postural changes in cervical rotation were found during all text-entry tasks in the symptomatic group. Two-handed texting was associated with increased cervical flexion while one-handed texting was correlated with an asym-metric neck posture, indicating both text-entry methods are not favorable in terms of spinal postures.
... Gustafsson [6] showed differences in physical load between the group of mobile phone users with musculoskeletal symptoms and the group without symptoms. He also found differences in muscle activity and kinematics between different texting techniques. ...
Background: Repetitive movements and poor posture are associated with over-use of smartphones when texting or playing games and significantly contribute to the symptoms of pain and discomfort in the upper extremities.
Objective: This study investigated the effect of exercise training and postural correction on disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), hand grip and key pinch strength among smartphone users.
Methods: One hundred university students were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group participated in a 12-week programme of exercise training and postural corrections. The control group were instructed to follow their usual routine for smartphone utilization. Measurements of DASH scores, hand grip strength, and key pinch grip strength were conducted before and after 12 weeks for both groups.
Results: There were no significant differences between the start values of both groups for DASH scores, hand grip strength, and key pinch strength (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant improvement in all outcomes measured in the experimental group (p
... As the cervical spine flexes more, the upper trapezius must work harder to contribute to a counterbalancing force to offset the increasing flexion moment produced by the weight of the head. This potential mechanism of postural stress may help explain why Gustafsson (2012) found that texters who sat with the head in forward bent position more commonly experienced symptoms. ...
This study aimed to determine the effects of input device type, texting style, and screen size on upper
extremity and trapezius muscle activity and cervical posture during a short texting task in college students.
Users of a physical keypad produced greater thumb, finger flexor, and wrist extensor muscle
activity than when texting with a touch screen device of similar dimensions. Texting on either device
produced greater wrist extensor muscle activity when texting with 1 hand/thumb compared with both
hands/thumbs. As touch screen size increased, more participants held the device on their lap, and chose
to use both thumbs less. There was also a trend for greater finger flexor, wrist extensor, and trapezius
muscle activity as touch screen size increased, and for greater cervical flexion, although mean differences
for cervical flexion were small. Future research can help inform whether the ergonomic stressors
observed during texting are associated with musculoskeletal disorder risk.
The use of cellphones has dramatically increased in the last 20 years. When using the phone’s screen, most individuals flex their neck to look down at their hands rather than raising the device up to eye level. Those who repeatedly maintain this improper form are at elevated risk for developing forward head posture (FHP). FHP is a musculoskeletal abnormality in which an individual’s head is chronically positioned anterior to the neck and shoulders, causing hyperextension in the upper cervical spine. If FHP is not addressed during young or middle adulthood, this condition can become permanent. A need exists for the prevention and correction of this postural abnormality, as it also can lead to chronic painful medical disorders affecting the head, neck, and shoulders. In this three-article dissertation, Chapter 2 contains a critically appraised topic evaluating randomized control trials that demonstrated stretching and strengthening programs as effective for improving FHP. Chapter 3 includes a randomized control trial investigating the effectiveness of postural education or corrective exercise intervention on the craniovertebral angle. Chapter 4 contains a cross-sectional case-control study examining potential differences in head posture when assessed in standing versus sitting positions, as well as a comparison of positional measures between subjects with and without severe FHP.
Aim: To compare the results of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretches with stability exercises of upper trapezius in reference to neck ranges, disability level and pain specifically in mobile phone users with neck pain. Methods: Convenient sampling was used with randomization at the time of group allocation and blinding of assessor was made sure. 50 subjects both males and females with neck pain were recruited with 18 to 30 years of age. 2 treatment groups were present each containing equal number of subjects. One group was treated using stretches and other was given stability exercises. Neck disability index was used to record level of disability for neck and Numeric pain rating scale was used for recording pain levels at baseline, 4th and 8th weeks after treatment. Study was completed in 9 months. Results: Both groups showed no important difference with p > 0.05. However, both groups indicated significant changes in pain intensity and neck functionality at 4th and 8th weeks when compared with baseline. Conclusion: Both techniques were equally effective in improving neck ranges, pain levels and neck functionality. Keywords: Mobile Phone, Neck Pain, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Technique, Stretches, Stabilization.
Background:
The easy accessibility of smartphones has led to a fivefold increase in their use. People use smartphones almost anywhere, including during travelling and studying. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the average smartphone screen time has increased from 2.25 to 4.8 hours per day. In India, smartphone usage increased by 68% , and the average screen time increased from 2.42 to 6.9 hours. This dependency on smartphones has led to smartphone addiction. Inappropriate postures during the prolonged use of smartphones can exert adverse effects such as musculoskeletal disorders, digital eye strain, loss of focus and attention.
Objectives:
This study was undertaken to understand the effects of prolonged smartphone utilisation and explored fatigue measurement techniques.
Methods:
A total of 130 studies examining the effects of smartphone utilisation published in the previous 10 years were identified from the following databases: IEEE, Science Direct, PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar are reviewed. This study was conducted from September 2019 to January 2021.
Results:
One in every four adolescents were prone to smartphone addiction, which causes poor mental health. Moreover, India's research on the effects of excessive smartphone usage is limited.
Conclusions:
Studies are required to establish the correlation between fatigue levels and smartphone usage patterns.
The present study had a dual objective: 1) to present and validate a predictive model of standing posture in the sagittal plane, joint torques and support forces for a smartphone user built from biomechanical principles; 2) propose risk scales for joint torques and reaction forces based on simulations in order to use them into the musculoskeletal disorders prevention. Comparison of the modeled data with experimental measurements (400 tested postures with sample size verification) for calling and texting tasks highlights the model's ability to correctly estimate posture and reaction forces on the ground. The model was able to provide estimates of the range of variation of each parameter for a wide range of environmental conditions as a function of the user body mass index (setting between 12.5 and 50). Joint torques risk scales have been constructed, especially for shoulder and elbow, to characterize the risks incurred by the users.
Practitioner Summary: The proposed model enables the postures, joint torques and reaction forces to be estimated from subject’s body mass index and environmental configuration without resorting to experimentation, which is relevant in industry. This approach allows the proposition of new scales based on joint torques to reinforce the recommendations for MSD prevention.
Background:
Neck discomfort and pronounced neck flexion have been associated with smartphone use.
Objective:
Eye glasses with a 90 deg prism in each lens were investigated as a potential intervention to reduce awkward head and neck postures during activities involving viewing the device.
Methods:
Sixteen smartphone users with neck pain and 9 asymptomatic users performed a texting task on a smartphone with and without the prism glasses, in sitting and standing postures in a laboratory setting.
Results:
Cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscle activity, head posture and motion, performance, discomfort and other subjective perceptions were assessed. Prism glasses reduced neck extensor muscle activity, neck flexion, and head tilt compared to the direct view. In the symptomatic group, the intervention produced less neck and shoulder discomfort compared to the direct view.
Conclusions:
This intervention could offer an alternative way of interacting with a smartphone while texting in stationary postures, by reducing exposure to pronounced flexed neck and head posture commonly seen in users, and thereby could reduce neck discomfort associated with smartphone use.
Nowadays, interactions with smartphones are constantly increasing. These devices are used in a wide variety of situations by performing various tasks. The purpose of this study is to determine whether one or more strategies emerge when subjects freely send message and browse on the web in three environmental conditions: sitting with or without support and standing. Therefore, a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied to the angular parameters of the neck and trunk as well as to the distance between the face and the telephone. These 3D motion analysis data were also processed taking into account the ergonomic recommendations from the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment in order to qualify the postural strategies highlighted by the HCA. The findings showed that there are three different postural strategies adopted by the subjects especially in the sagittal plane: a first one involves the neck without implying the trunk; a second one strongly mobilizes the trunk flexion without involving the neck; and a third postural strategy which combines these two behaviors. These three postural strategies depend on the environmental condition. Indeed, the postural strategy involving the trunk is associated with the presence of a support while the one involving the neck only appears in conditions without support. It is also observed that smartphone users mainly adopt harmful postures, whether due to excessive flexion of the neck, trunk or both. Even when subjects place themselves in the least harmful postures, there are always risks of musculoskeletal disorders in the short or long term.
Objetivo: avaliar e comparar o tempo de utilização, postura e o manuseio do celular entre voluntários com e sem dor na região dos membros superiores ou da coluna cervical. Métodos: Este estudo possui um delineamento observacional transversal. Foram avaliados o tempo e finalidade, a maneira e postura de utilização do celular utilizando questionários com questões abertas de 24 participantes com dor na região da coluna cervical ou membro superior e 24 do grupo controle, que não apresentavam dor, com gênero e idade pareados entre os grupos. As comparações entre grupos foram realizadas por meio do Teste T de student para as variáveis contínuas e para as categóricas o Qui quadrado. Resultados: o grupo com dor apresentou maior utilização do celular sem apoio, tempo para digitar, internet e chamada do que o grupo controle (p0,05). Conclusão: O tempo de utilização do celular para digitar, usar a internet e chamadas, a maneira de digitar e a postura sem apoio foram maiores em voluntários com dor, sugerindo que esses fatores podem influenciar no desenvolvimento de dor musculoesqueléticas na região de cervical e de membros superiores. Descritores: Telefones celulares. Doenças musculoesqueléticas. Fatores de risco.
Relevance to industry
There is emerging evidence of musculoskeletal problems related to smartphone work and a rapid transition to mobile workplaces, where smartphones are key working tools. Aim: The study's aim was to compare muscle activity during computer work with smartphone work and to see what possible effects ergonomic recommendations for smartphone usage have on muscle activity.
Methods
Activity was measured bilaterally from the upper trapezius muscle and from lower arm muscles on the right hand side, on twelve participants with surface electromyography who performed e-mail work on the computer using ergonomic recommendations, smartphone in a self-chosen way of working and on smartphone with ergonomic recommendations. Effects on productivity was not assessed in this study.
Results
Activity in m. trapezius and m. extensor digitorum was significantly higher during computer work (p < 0.05) than during the two smartphone usages and activity in m. interossei dorsalis 1 was, vice versa, significantly higher during smartphone work (p < 0.05). Comparison of smartphone in self-chosen way of working and smartphone with ergonomic recommendations showed no significant differences.
Conclusions
Previous research has highlighted the benefits of variation of work postures. This paper indicates that replacing the computer with a smartphone gives the trapezius muscle an opportunity to rest.
Background and Objectives: The use of new technologies, particularly mobile phones, is drastically growing on a daily basis. The usability of mobile phones can be determined for different age groups in order to reach a balanced development plan with respect to this technology. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the usability of touch-screen and button cell phones among Iranian elderly users, with respect to objective performance and perceived usability.
Background:
Places of work have been completely transformed by innovations in mobile work tools and ever-present access to internet data.
Objective:
This article characterizes use patterns and provides preliminary considerations for productive and comfortable use of common mobile devices.
Method:
Two surveys described trends in mobile work. In the first, ergonomics professionals who oversee programs reported common mobile devices, their users and what data is accessed. The second, an end user survey, explored common activities performed on mobile devices, duration of use and locations where mobile work is common.
Results:
The survey results provide a baseline data point for the status of mobile work in early 2014.
Discussion:
Research indicates that additional risks have been introduced to the neck, thumbs and hands when using mobile devices. Possible trends regarding device use and work locations emerge. Intervention studies provide some direction for the practitioner. Practical strategies are outlined to reduce exposure intensity and duration.
Conclusion:
Contemporary mobile work presents tremendous change and opportunity for ergonomists and researchers to keep pace with fitting the changing models of work to the person. Continued research is needed on current mobile device use patterns to better understand ergonomic risk exposure in this rapidly changing realm.
Ein ergonomisch gestalteter radiologischer Arbeitsplatz ermöglicht konzentriertes Arbeiten über einen ganzen Arbeitstag hinweg und kann Spät- und Folgeschäden durch eine andauernde Fehlbeanspruchung des menschlichen Körpers verhindern. Die Kenntnis der Faktoren, die Einfluss auf die Gesundheit, Konzentration und das Wohlbefinden von Radiologen am Arbeitsplatz haben und deren korrekte Anwendung und Benutzung sowie das Wissen über Entstehungsmechanismen arbeitsplatzassoziierter Erkrankungen sind für die Gestaltung eines ergonomischen Arbeitsplatzes essenziell. Im Zentrum steht die Anpassung des Arbeitsplatzes an die Bedürfnisse des menschlichen Körpers und einer Reduktion der Belastung bei andauernden und repetitiven Bewegungen. Relevant sind z. B. Einstellungsmöglichkeiten von Stuhl und Arbeitstisch zueinander, Wahl der korrekten Position der Monitore und Abstand zu den Monitoren. Ebenso wichtig ist die Schaffung einer adäquaten Umgebung, die den Bedürfnissen eines radiologischen Arbeitsplatzes entspricht. Faktoren hierfür sind eine angepasste Beleuchtung und Klimatisierung, Wahl der Farbgestaltung und Vermeidung von Lärmquellen im Befundraum.
Der folgende Artikel gibt eine Übersicht der genannten Faktoren und fasst die aktuelle Literatur zusammen.
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate whether high quantity of information and communication technology (ICT) use is a risk factor for developing psychological symptoms among young ICT users. A cohort of college students responded to a questionnaire at baseline and at 1-year follow-up (n = 1127). Exposure variables, such as different types of ICT use, and effect variables, such as perceived stress, symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances, were assessed. Prevalence ratios were computed, based on symptom-free subjects at baseline and prevalence of symptoms at follow-up. For women, high combined use of computer and mobile phone at baseline was associated with increased risk of reporting prolonged stress and symptoms of depression at follow-up, and number of short message service (SMS) messages per day was associated with prolonged stress. Also online chatting was associated with prolonged stress, and e-mailing and online chatting were associated with symptoms of depression, while Internet surfing increased the risk of developing sleep disturbances. For men, number of mobile phone calls and SMS messages per day were associated with sleep disturbances. SMS use was also associated with symptoms of depression. The findings suggest that ICT may have an impact on psychological health, although causal mechanisms are unclear.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in technique between young adults with and without musculoskeletal symptoms when using a mobile phone for texting and whether there are differences in muscle activity and kinematics between different texting techniques. A total of 56 young adults performed a standardised texting task on a mobile phone. Their texting techniques were registered using an observation protocol. The muscular activity in six muscles in the right forearm/hand and both shoulders were registered by surface electromyography and the thumb abduction/adduction and flexion/extension were registered using a biaxial electrogoniometer. Differences in texting techniques were found between the symptomatic and the asymptomatic group, with a higher proportion of sitting with back support and forearm support and with a neutral head position in the asymptomatic group. Differences in muscle activity and kinematics were also found between different texting techniques. The differences in texting technique between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects cannot be explained by them having symptoms but may be a possible contribution to their symptoms. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: There has been a dramatically increased use of mobile phones for texting especially among young people during the last years. A better understanding of the physical exposure associated with the intensive use is important in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders and decreased work ability related to this use.
The aim of this study was to evaluate thumb postures, thumb movements and muscle activity when using mobile phones for SMS messaging and to determine whether there were differences in these exposures (a) across various mobile phone tasks, (b) between gender and (c) between subjects with and without musculoskeletal symptoms in shoulders and upper extremities. Fifty-six young adults (15 healthy and 41 with musculoskeletal symptoms) performed a series of distinct tasks on a mobile phone. Muscular load in four forearm/hand muscles in the right arm and the right and left trapezius muscles were measured using electromyography (EMG). Thumb movements were registered using an electrogoniometer. The results showed that postures (sitting or standing) and the type of mobile phone task (holding the phone versus texting) affected muscle activity and thumb positions. Females compared to males had higher muscle activity in the extensor digitorum and the abductor pollicis longus when entering SMS messages and tended to have greater thumb abduction, higher thumb movement velocities and fewer pauses in the thumb movements. Subjects with symptoms had lower muscle activity levels in the abductor pollicis longus and tended to have higher thumb movement velocities and fewer pauses in the thumb movements compared to those without symptoms.
A Case with isolated pain and swelling at the base of the left thumb is reported. The problem had lasted for 2 years, and it was getting worse with increasing pain also at the base of the right thumb. The X-ray showed a subluxation and an arthritis of the first CMCJ was diagnosed in left hand. An excision arthroplasty was successfully carried out. The excessive mobile phone use with active texting had been probably the main cause of the problem. Many, especially youngsters use their phones to text and play games a lot. The purpose of this report is to make the researchers and practitioners aware of this problem and to encourage them to record these cases that may be common in future.
The Swedish Media Barometer 2009: Nordic Information Centre for Media and Communication Research
- Nordicom
Nordicom. (2010). The Swedish Media Barometer 2009:
Nordic Information Centre for Media and Communication
Research, University of Gothenburg.
Beware the "Blackberry Thumb
- S Gordon
Gordon, S., 2008. Beware the "Blackberry Thumb". The
Washington
Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2008/06/15/AR2008061500481.html.
The Swedish Media Barometer
- Nordicom
Nordicom. (2010). The Swedish Media Barometer 2009:
Nordic Information Centre for Media and Communication
Research, University of Gothenburg.