Use Of Notebooks Research Articles

Notebook computer use with different monitor tilt angle: effects on posture, muscle activity and discomfort of neck pain users

This study aimed to evaluate the posture, muscle activities, and self reported discomforts of neck pain notebook computer users on three monitor tilt conditions: 100°, 115°, and 130°. Six subjects were recruited in this study to completed typing tasks. Results showed subjects have a trend to show the forward head posture in the condition that monitor was set at 100°, and the significant less neck and shoulder discomfort were noted in the condition that monitor was set at 130°. These result suggested neck pain notebook user to set their monitor tilt angle at 130°.

Changes in posture through the use of simple inclines with notebook computers placed on a standard desk

This study evaluated the use of simple inclines as a portable peripheral for improving head and neck postures during notebook computer use on tables in portable environments such as hotel rooms, cafés, and airport lounges. A 3D motion analysis system measured head, neck and right upper extremity postures of 15 participants as they completed a 10 min computer task in six different configurations, all on a fixed height desk: no-incline, 12° incline, 25° incline, no-incline with external mouse, 25° incline with an external mouse, and a commercially available riser with external mouse and keyboard. After completion of the task, subjects rated the configuration for comfort and ease of use and indicated perceived discomfort in several body segments. Compared to the no-incline configuration, use of the 12° incline reduced forward head tilt and neck flexion while increasing wrist extension. The 25° incline further reduced head tilt and neck flexion while further increasing wrist extension. The 25° incline received the lowest comfort and ease of use ratings and the highest perceived discomfort score. For portable, temporary computing environments where internal input devices are used, users may find improved head and neck postures with acceptable wrist extension postures with the utilization of a 12° incline.

University students' notebook computer use: lessons learned using e-diaries to report musculoskeletal discomfort

The objective of this pilot study was to identify if notebook accessories (ergonomic chair, desktop monitor and notebook riser) combined with a wireless keyboard, mouse and participatory ergonomics training would have the greatest impact on reducing self-reported upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort in university students. In addition to pre-post computing and health surveys, the Ecological Momentary Assessment was used to capture change in discomfort over time using a personal digital assistant (PDA) as the e-diary. The PDA was programmed with a survey containing 45 questions. Four groups of university students were randomised to either intervention (three external computer accessories) or to control. Participants reported less discomfort with the ergonomic chair and notebook riser based on the pre-post survey data and the e-diary/PDA ANOVA analysis. However, the PDA data, adjusted for the effect of hours per day of computer use, showed no benefit of the chair and limited benefit from the riser. Statement of Relevance:University students' use of notebook computers has increased. This study found evidence of a positive effect of an adjustable chair or notebook riser when combined with ergonomic training on reducing discomfort. Daily notebook computer use of 4 h was confirmed as a risk factor. Without some form of ergonomic intervention, these students are likely to enter the workforce with poor computing habits, which places them on the road to future injuries as technology continues to play a dominant role in their lives.

Evidence-based guidelines for the wise use of computers by children: Physical development guidelines

Computer use by children is common and there is concern over the potential impact of this exposure on child physical development. Recently principles for child-specific evidence-based guidelines for wise use of computers have been published and these included one concerning the facilitation of appropriate physical development. This paper reviews the evidence and presents detailed guidelines for this principle. The guidelines include encouraging a mix of sedentary and whole body movement tasks, encouraging reasonable postures during computing tasks through workstation, chair, desk, display and input device selection and adjustment and special issues regarding notebook computer use and carriage, computing skills and responding to discomfort. The evidence limitations highlight opportunities for future research. The guidelines themselves can inform parents and teachers, equipment designers and suppliers and form the basis of content for teaching children the wise use of computers. Statement of Relevance: Many children use computers and computer-use habits formed in childhood may track into adulthood. Therefore child–computer interaction needs to be carefully managed. These guidelines inform those responsible for children to assist in the wise use of computers.

Notebook computer use on a desk, lap and lap support: Effects on posture, performance and comfort

This study quantified postures of users working on a notebook computer situated in their lap and tested the effect of using a device designed to increase the height of the notebook when placed on the lap. A motion analysis system measured head, neck and upper extremity postures of 15 adults as they worked on a notebook computer placed on a desk (DESK), the lap (LAP) and a commercially available lapdesk (LAPDESK). Compared with the DESK, the LAP increased downwards head tilt 6° and wrist extension 8°. Shoulder flexion and ulnar deviation decreased 13° and 9°, respectively. Compared with the LAP, the LAPDESK decreased downwards head tilt 4°, neck flexion 2°, and wrist extension 9°. Users reported less discomfort and difficulty in the DESK configuration. Use of the lapdesk improved postures compared with the lap; however, all configurations resulted in high values of wrist extension, wrist deviation and downwards head tilt. Statement of Relevance: This study quantifies postures of users working with a notebook computer in typical portable configurations. A better understanding of the postures assumed during notebook computer use can improve usage guidelines to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries

University students’ notebook computer use

Recent evidence suggests that university students are self-reporting experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students randomly assigned to one of three towers by the university's Office of Housing participated in this study. The results of this investigation showed a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort from pre- and post-survey in participants who received notebook computer accessories and in those who received accessories and participatory ergonomics training. A significant increase in post-survey rest breaks was seen. There was a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using computer usage software (odometer). More research is needed however to determine the most effective ergonomics intervention for university students.

University Students' Notebook Computer Use

University students are self-reporting musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this research study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing their self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students, who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, participated in this study. Participants who received notebook computer accessories and those who received these accessories and participatory ergonomics training reported a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort. A significant increase in rest breaks occurred with a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using WorkPace®, a computer usage software.

Middle School Students' Notebook Computer Use

This pilot study investigated how middle school students use notebook computers in their daily activities, their knowledge and beliefs about ergonomics, the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in notebook computer use and if the use of peripherals, a participatory ergonomics approach or goal setting is effective in promoting “healthy computing” and reducing self-reported computer-related musculoskeletal discomfort. One hundred and twenty four students were recruited from three middle schools in Maine to participate in the study for three months. Pilot results suggest that over 26% of the students self-report musculoskeletal discomfort with notebook computer use. Students who self-reported general discomfort typed significantly faster as compared to students who typed at a slower average weekly rate. Participatory ergonomics training that involved the participants in planning, developing, and implementing ergonomic solutions to notebook computer workstations and the use of peripherals, i.e., keyboard and mouse significantly improved students' “healthy computing” as compared to the control group.

A Survey of Desktop and Notebook Computer Use by Professionals

Over the last quarter century, extensive research concerning work-related musculoskeletal discomfort has been conducted in the area of desktop computer (DPC) use, among professionals and clerical workers. Notebook style computers (NPC) are increasing in popularity and use, often replacing DPCs, yet limited information is available on workers' experience with NPCs. Results are presented from a survey that explored work-related use of desktop and notebook computers by professionals (n=335). Associations were found between musculoskeletal discomfort and work patterns and methods, including work-break patterns, notebook configuration, and notebook transportation mode. Laptop Computer usage and OSHA's lie Program, Memorandum from Byron R. Chadwick, Regional Administrator – VIII to Roger A. Clark, Director, Directorate of Compliance Programs and Leo G. Carey, Director, Directorate of Field Programs, http://gabby.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Interp_data/INTERP_19940104.html

Effects of notebook computer configuration and task on user biomechanics, productivity, and comfort

This study took a comprehensive approach to evaluating effects of using a notebook computer stand-alone or along with inexpensive peripheral input devices. The study examined effects on biomechanics, productivity, and discomfort, and considered the impact of both computer configuration and task performed. It was hypothesized that, in general, the stand-alone configuration would induce greater postural fixity and more non-neutral postures than configurations with peripheral input devices. Dependent measures included muscle activity, posture and posture variation/fixity, productivity, and subjective assessments of discomfort and preference. The data were generally consistent with the hypothesis, though some biomechanical advantages were identified for each configuration; specifics and exceptions are discussed, along with reasons for a general recommendation for the use of an external mouse, or mouse and keyboard (without number pad) when using a notebook computer for an extended period of time, as in a desktop replacement scenario. Relevance to industry Notebook computer use is rapidly increasing, in industry and schools. Yet the notebook form factor is inconsistent with a number of current design recommendations. Little research concerning physical ergonomics of notebook computer use has been conducted, so recommendations for use are currently limited and not strongly supported by objective evidence.

Effects of the liquid crystal display tilt angle of a notebook computer on posture, muscle activities and somatic complaints

More con strained posture and higher neck muscle activities have been reported among users of notebook computers than those of desktop computers. Complaints of eye and musculoskeletal d iscomfort as well as di fficulty of keying were greater during work with notebook computers. These reports ascribed the findings to the differences in the size of desktops and notebooks. Another ergonomic aspect of the notebook computer distinct from the CRT is its angle-dependent luminance contrast. The present study investigated the effects of liquid crystal display (LCD) tilt angle of a notebook computer on posture, muscle activities and somatic complaints in 10 subjects. At the tilt angle of 100°, the subjects were noted to have relatively less neck flexion. The static neck extensor muscle activity was also lowest at this tilt angle. Nonetheless, the complaint survey revealed higher rates of discomfort while viewing and using the LCD set at the tilt angle of 100°. The findings of this study strongly suggested that the ergonomic features and problems attributable to notebook computers are distinct from the desktop computers. The points of interest raised in this paper should be considered when contemplating the use of notebook computers. Relevance to industry The use of notebook computers has increased steadily over the last 5 years , especially in Japan. Few authors have ventured to study the problems associated with these smaller computers . The results and suggestions of this stu dy may contribute to improve the design of notebook computers and the workstations .

A note on the response effects of laboratory- versus respondent-located computer-administered questioning

This article reports the results of a study of response effects owing to the use of computer-administered questioning (CAQ). Two types of CAQ were used: PCs used in a laboratory setting and notebook computers used in respondent locations. Notebook computers used in respondent locations (much like personal interviews) resulted in the highest rate of response: 73%. Two response effects were investigated, the degree of halo bias and degree of acquiescence. It was found that laboratory CAQ generated less halo and the same degree of acquiescence bias than did the use of notebook computers, although the response rate for a laboratory session was low. Both CAQ methods were preferable to the use of self-administered questionnaires.

Integration of computer technology into the medical curriculum: The King's experience

Recently, there have been major changes in the requirements of medical education which have set the scene for the revision of medical curricula (Towle, 1991; GMC, 1993). As part of the new curriculum at King's, the opportunity has been taken to integrate computer technology into the course through Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL), and to train graduates in core IT skills. Although the use of computers in the medical curriculum has up to now been limited, recent studies have shown encouraging steps forward (see Boelen, 1995). One area where there has been particular interest is the use of notebook computers to allow students increased access to IT facilities (Maulitz et al, 1996).DOI:10.1080/0968776970050207

Use of notebook computers for third-year surgical students

Computer-aided instruction has become increasingly popular in medical education. Notebook computers (NCs) are attractive, convenient microcomputers. We hypothesized that use of NCs by third-year surgical students would enhance their performance of educational activities. During the 1994-1995 academic year 25 student volunteers used NCs during the surgery clerkship. NC software included questions for self-examination, anatomy self-instruction program, word processing and electronic mail (e-mail) for recording and sending history and physicals (H & Ps) to faculty for review, and MEDLINE search software. Identical software was available to all students at on-campus computer centers. All students were asked to record the number of hours that they used the self-examination and anatomy programs, number of H & Ps performed and reviewed by faculty, and number of literature searches performed. NC users were interviewed regarding the value of NC use and their rating of software programs. NC users (n = 25) used the self-examination and anatomy programs more often, performed more literature searches, and had a greater percentage of their H & Ps reviewed by faculty compared with non-NC users (n = 143) (p < 0.05 for all outcomes). Most NC users agreed that NC use was enjoyable and valuable, and they believed that all students should have NCs during the surgery clerkship. Students rated software in order of preference: e-mail > self-examination > MEDLINE search > anatomy program. NC use enhanced performance of educational activities in the surgery clerkship. Effort toward developing educational software for surgical students is warranted because students are likely to use such programs.

Technology Impacts Older Americans

Americans are living longer, and technological processes are moving into many facets of their lives. Topics addressed include health, diagnoses and treatment, the use of X-ray, caregiving, electronic mail, voice recognition, fax modems, pen tablets and notebook computers, compressed technology, leisure and entertainment, and employment. Many older Americans are capable of learning and utilizing the new technological processes listed above. The use of computerized tools can help senior adults increase their interaction with others, acquire new information and knowledge, engage in creative pursuits, and strengthen problem-solving abilities.