Posture and discomfort assessment in computer users while using touch screen device as compared with mouse-keyboard...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ergonomics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Touch screen computers necessitate extensive arm and hand movements.
• These movements can lead to user discomfort and increased biomechanical load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare user posture and discomfort levels between touch screen devices and traditional mouse-keyboard/touchpad-keyboard setups.
• To evaluate the ergonomic implications of different input devices.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three students performed tasks using touch screen, touchpad-keyboard, and mouse-keyboard interfaces.
• Posture was analyzed using motion capture, and discomfort was measured via visual analog scales.
• Subjective ratings assessed perceived posture for various body parts.

Main Results:

• Touch screen use resulted in significantly more deviated neck, trunk, and arm postures compared to other devices.
• Users reported greater discomfort in the shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, and whole body when using touch screens.
• Perceived shoulder and elbow postures were rated less favorably with touch screens.

Conclusions:

• Touch screen devices are associated with poorer postural angles and increased physical discomfort.
• Ergonomic considerations favor traditional input methods over touch screens for prolonged use.