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A comparison of the postures assumed when using laptop computers and desktop computers

L Straker1, K J Jones, J Miller

  • 1Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Applied Ergonomics
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Laptop use leads to greater neck flexion and head tilt compared to desktop use, though discomfort and performance differences were not statistically significant. This highlights potential postural risks associated with laptop ergonomics.

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Area of Science:

  • Ergonomics
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Laptop computers integrate screens and keyboards, limiting independent adjustment of viewing distance, screen height, and keyboard position.
  • This fixed design may impose postural constraints, potentially impacting user comfort and biomechanics, especially considering individual anthropometric variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the postural implications of laptop computer use.
  • To compare user discomfort and task performance between laptop and desktop computer workstations.

Main Methods:

  • Participants used both laptop and desktop computers.
  • Postural angles (neck flexion, head tilt, trunk, shoulder, elbow, wrist, scapula/neck protraction/retraction) were measured.
  • Subjective discomfort levels and task performance were recorded after 20 minutes of use.

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Main Results:

  • Laptop use was associated with significantly greater neck flexion and head tilt compared to desktop use.
  • No significant differences were found in other measured body angles, including trunk, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and scapula/neck protraction/retraction.
  • Discomfort levels and performance metrics showed no statistically significant differences between laptop and desktop use, despite a trend towards higher discomfort with laptops.

Conclusions:

  • The integrated design of laptops necessitates specific postures, leading to increased neck flexion and head tilt.
  • While not statistically significant in this study, the trend towards greater discomfort warrants attention for long-term laptop users.
  • Further research may explore strategies to mitigate postural strain during prolonged laptop use.