Published: Jan 31, 2012

Own a Tablet? Guidelines for Ergonomic Use

The invention of many electronic devices has been followed by a barrage of new health complaints. From carpal tunnel syndrome to laptop burns on people's legs, there are a variety of ways that people can injure themselves using technology. Doctors have been working to figure out a way to combat these issues, and researchers from Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital recently developed guidelines for tablet users.

The scientists stated that head and neck posture can be improved while using a tablet if it's placed higher to avoid low gaze angles, which can hurt the neck. They also recommended using a case that helps the tablet stay at these angles.

"Our results will be useful for updating ergonomic computing standards and guidelines for tablet computers. These are urgently needed as companies and health care providers weigh options to implement wide-scale adoption of tablet computers for business operations," said lead investigator Jack Dennerlein, Ph.D.

The researchers are planning further investigations into whether tablets affect arm and wrist health.