Abstract
Background: There is a recent trend to replace desktop with laptop computers. Laptops are portable, light weight and space saving, enabling the users to work anywhere and at anytime. But most laptops are designed with the screen joined to the keyboard, making it impossible to adjust separately in terms of screen height & distance, and keyboard height & distance. We proposed that computer type and user sitting style affect differently the craniocervical angle and the load over specific muscles in the back and neck. Subjects and methods: Thirty volunteer computer workers were studied at the Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Cairo University from November 2012 to April, 2013. They first assumed the desktop then laptop sitting styles each for 20 minutes. Electromyography was done for the semispinalis cervicis, capitis and upper trapezius muscles, and subject’s posture was captured by an infrared camera. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the craniocervical angle in desktop than in laptop sitting styles at p = 0.0001. There was significant decrease in semispinalis cervicis and capitis activities for desktop than for laptop on both sides at p = 0.0002. Conclusion: Contrary to laptop, sitting in front of desktop computer increases the craniocervical angle and lessens the muscular load on the semispinalis cervicis and capitis of both arms. Upper trapezius muscles are not affected.
Highlights
The tasks of using desktop and laptop computers are increasing everyday in education, business, publishing, banking, and even entertainment
The forward head posture reduces the average length of muscle fibers, which contributes to extensor torque at the atlanto-occipital joint, and it is possible that this shortening reduces the tension-generating capabilities of muscles
In clinical practice it is widely believed that a forward head posture (FHP) and other ergonomic disadvantages linked to laptop PC contributes to the development of chronic neck and shoulder pain [1,6]
Summary
The tasks of using desktop and laptop computers are increasing everyday in education, business, publishing, banking, and even entertainment. Most laptops are designed with the screen joined to the keyboard, making it impossible to adjust separately in terms of screen height & distance, and keyboard height & distance [2] This leads to prolonged flexion at cervical spine with consequent higher activity in the cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscles, with a posture in which the trunk is slightly inclined backward [3]. Concerned health professionals have begun to see the physical effects of these malpostures in those spending long hours day after day using their computers [4] This forward head posture (FHP) involves a combination of lower cervical flexion and upper cervical extension and has been linked to some musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as upper crossed syndrome [5]. We proposed that computer type and user sitting style affect differently the craniocervical angle and the load over specific muscles in the back and neck
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