Exploring use of touchscreen mobile devices among working adults in relation to musculoskeletal disorder risk factors: a university case study

Abstract

IntroductionTouchscreen mobile devices (TSMDs) are portable communication devices used for a variety of tasks, including work-related and leisure activities. TSMD use involves exposure to known musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors, such as duration of use, repetitive use, and awkward, sustained postures. Despite TSMD use being common, there has been limited research on TSMD use among adults. The overall aim of this thesis was to explore TSMD use among a working population, with particular regard to use characteristics that align with recognised MSD risk factors.MethodThis project was conducted at a single workplace, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia. Study 1 explored TSMD use by adults, with a focus on work use. A cross-sectional online survey was constructed and sent to all university staff (including higher degree by research (HDR) students). The questionnaire domains covered type of device, duration of use, duration of work-related tasks, environmental settings, hand-grip and tablet position, and musculoskeletal discomfort. In addition to the descriptive analysis (frequencies and averages) of the data, logistic regression was used to determine the association between TSMD use patterns and musculoskeletal discomfort.Study 2 collected detailed data about TSMD use and gross body posture. The study involved a one-week cross-sectional field study, in which TSMD use and posture were monitored concurrently, using a mobile application to capture TSMD use data and activity monitors to capture data on gross body posture. Additional information about the location of use and musculoskeletal discomfort was collected in a daily diary. Data was analysed to explore patterns of TSMD use, overall and according to posture and location; and to assesses any associations between duration of TSMD use and musculoskeletal discomfort.ResultsThere were 398 respondents in Study 1. The findings show that 97.5% used a smartphone and 61.5% used a tablet. The majority of smartphone users (73.9%) and about half of tablet users (49.5%) used their TSMD for both work and leisure. Smartphones were used for 218 minutes per day, and tablets for 109 minutes per day, on average. Smartphone use was common at all locations, whereas the use of tablets was more restricted to home and non-office workplaces. Additionally, smartphones were commonly used in different postures, including sitting, standing and lying, whereas tablets were commonly used while sitting and lying. The most common tasks for both devices were emailing, web browsing, reading, and organising. Logistic regression findings indicate that the sex of a participant, using TSMDs while lying down, and using one hand to hold and operate a TSMD were significant predictors of musculoskeletal discomfort.Study 2 collected data from 54 participants. The average daily duration of TSMD use was 152 minutes per day, with TSMD engagement on average 51 times per day. Participants under 30 years old spent more time on TSMDs, averaging 230 minutes/day. By location, 54% of use occurred at home, 24% at work and 22% at other locations. The most common posture adopted during any TSMD use was sitting (77 minutes/day), with participants also spending considerable time lying while in the home environment (39 minutes/day). One-way repeated measure ANOVA showed significant differences in the time spent using TSMDs at different locations and while adopting different postures, with use at home being significantly higher than work and other locations, and use while lying and sitting significantly higher than use while standing and stepping. T-tests showed no significant difference between the sexes in the time spent using TSMDs. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference between age groups in the time spent using TSMDs while lying and sitting, with younger participants (22–29 years old) spending significantly more time using TSMDs while lying and sitting than the middle (30–39 years old) and older (40 or more years old) age groups. The findings show significant associations between TSMD use while lying and discomfort in the neck and right shoulder.ConclusionThis thesis explores the use of TSMDs by working adults. A novel aspect of the project is the use of an objective method to collect data concurrently on the duration of TSMD use and the gross body posture adopted while using TSMDs over a one-week period. The findings provide valuable insights into how adults are using TSMDs, including postures and locations of use, which have not been the focus of previous research. The findings of this project indicate that TSMDs are used extensively in the home environment, commonly while lying (42 minutes/day), particularly among younger participants. Using TSMDs while lying down was associated with neck and shoulder discomfort. Lying postures have traditionally not been associated with computer technology, and their strong association with TSMDs may present new challenges. Using TSMDs while lying down may compromise upper body posture. However, further research is needed to characterise the neck, back and upper arm postures adopted while using TSMDs at home in a lying position.