Differences in Muscle Activity for 4 Touch Devices

Abstract

The use of touch devices has become pervasive in businesses, coffee shops, homes, and schools. These devices are used for a myriad of different tasks for extended periods of time. However, there is little known about the effects on user’s muscles when these devices are used for extended periods of time. As part of a larger project, we present here results about the differing levels of muscle exertion degree of dynamic activity for muscles when people use four different touch devices—an iPod touch, iPad, touch screen desktop and a touch screen laptop. Participants completed four separate tasks with the devices and there were surprising and interesting differences found by device for the different muscles and tasks.