Journal article
Gravitational demand on the neck musculature during tablet computer use
Ergonomics, Vol.58(6), pp.990-1004
06/03/2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/106221
PMID: 25643042
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.
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Details
- Title
- Gravitational demand on the neck musculature during tablet computer use
- Creators
- Anita N Vasavada - Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State UniversityDerek D Nevins - Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State UniversitySteven M Monda - Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State UniversityEllis Hughes - Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State UniversityDavid C Lin - Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University
- Publication Details
- Ergonomics, Vol.58(6), pp.990-1004
- Academic Unit
- Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, School of
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- 99900546756001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article