Background Because mobile computing technologies, such as notebook computers, smart mobile phones, and tablet computers afford users many different configurations through their intended mobility, there is concern about their effects on musculoskeletal pain and a need for usage recommendations. Objective Therefore the main goal of this paper to determine which best practices surrounding the use of mobile computing devices can be gleaned from current field and laboratory studies of mobile computing devices. Methods An expert review was completed. Results Field studies have documented various user configurations, which often include non-neutral postures, that users adopt when using mobile technology, along with some evidence suggesting that longer duration of use is associated with more discomfort. It is therefore prudent for users to take advantage of their mobility and not get stuck in any given posture for too long. The use of accessories such as appropriate cases or riser stands, as well as external keyboards and pointing devices, can also improve postures and comfort. Conclusions Overall, the state of ergonomics for mobile technology is a work in progress and there are more research questions to be addressed.

The state of ergonomics for mobile computing technology

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of neck pain and its association with risk factors among software engineers. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from February to March 2016, and comprised software engineers from 19 different locations. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select individuals spending at least 6 hours in front of computer screens every day and having a work experience of at least 6 months. Data were collected using a self-administrable questionnaire. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. RESULTS Of the 185 participants, 49(26.5%) had neck pain at the time of data-gathering, while 136(73.5%) reported no pain. However, 119(64.32%) participants had a previous history of neck pain. Other factors like smoking, physical inactivity, history of any muscular pain and neck pain, uncomfortable workstation, and work-related mental stress and insufficient sleep at night, were found to be significantly associated with current neck pain (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS Intensive computer users are likely to experience at least one episode of computer-associated neck pain.

Frequency and associated risk factors for neck pain among software engineers in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Musculoskeletal health in schoolchildren is a global health problem. The objective of the current study was to assess ergonomic be¬havior and musculoskeletal health in urban poor schoolchildren in Pune, India. 
Methods: Sixty-five (29 male students) slum dwelling schoolchildren were assessed for their ergonomics using a validated and reliable tool. 
Results: Average age was 13 years. Out of 65 students, 36 reported pres¬ence of musculoskeletal pain. In addition, 78.5% had bad ergonomics when lifting books. Sitting posture was poor in 67.7%, while 50.8% dem¬onstrated bad posture while using a computer. As far as the female stu¬dents were con-cerned, it was seen that out of 36 students, 55.6% com¬plained of presence of pain. Out of the 20 students who reported pain, 70% had a score lower than 7.5 on ergonomic score assessment (indicative of bad ergonomics). When the male students were considered, out of 29 students, 65.5% reported presence of pain. Out of the 19 students who reported pain, close to 79% demonstrated bad ergonomics. 
Conclusion: There is presence of musculoskeletal aches and pains in this underprivileged section of the society, including demonstration of bad er-gonomics and postures while performing activities in school. Thus, mus-culoskeletal health problems exist in urban slum schoolchildren. It is im-portant to identify health problems at an early stage in both boys and girls. Children are the future of the nation and hence, identification of health issues early in life and preventing them from becoming chronic is of ut¬most importance.

https://journals.tbzmed.ac.ir/PDF/HPP/Manuscript/HPP-3-36.pdf

Ergonomic Assessment and Musculoskeletal Health of the Underprivileged School Children in Pune, India

The aim of this article is to present and discuss a works analysis approach. This approach was developed within the context of a design project aiming to build a virtual environment for training (VET) workers involved in the assembly of aircraft parts. The frameworks of ergonomics and professional didactics served as a background for this study which took place in three stages: 1) an analysis of both demand and project, 2) work analysis (trainers, trainees and production unit workers, and 3) a co-analysis device to co-analyse work knowledge and its transmission by trainers. During the study, the focal point of work analysis, the people concerned and the results produced by ergonomists all evolved and became more complex. Using reflection on our own ergonomic practice, we discuss the benefits of works analysis as a means of identifying the wide range of training situations and of taking part in design projects.

/pdf/works-analysis-in-training-design-how-ergonomics-helps-to-36tgql62ay.pdf

Works analysis in training design. How ergonomics helps to orientate upstream design of virtual training environments

OBJECTIVE This study's objective was to discover whether a difference exists in four postural angles while performing a typing task on a laptop and a desktop computer. METHOD Twenty healthy participants performed a 5-min typing task on each computer. RESULTS Statistically significant differences for all angles were found when comparing sitting at the desktop computer with sitting at the laptop. Neck angle (p < .0005), head tilt (p < .0005), and lumbar lordosis (p = .018) were significantly higher when using the laptop. The greatest posterior pelvic tilt was associated with the desktop (p = .018). CONCLUSION A desktop appears to be more appropriate for the cervical and lumbar regions; however, using a laptop may be more suitable for pelvic tilt.

Comparison of Spinal Angles in a Typing Task on a Laptop and a Desktop Computer: A Preliminary Study

Background The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) is a program established in the state of Maine in the United States of America, where all students in 7th and 8th grades are provided with a notebook computer to use at school and at home during the academic year. Objective This study aimed to describe the anthropometric measurements and typing proficiency of a cohort of students in the MLTI. It also investigated the impact of participatory ergonomics education and use of peripheral notebook accessories on their reported musculoskeletal and visual discomfort over the first three years of a six year study. Methods This longitudinal study commenced in 2009 with 34 students in 7th grade consenting to participate for six years through the 12th grade. Students received ergonomics education about healthy notebook use, reinforced with web-based resources; and were provided with peripheral notebook accessories including a notebook riser, and external keyboard (split or non-split) and mouse. Results The use of an external keyboard resulted in a reduction in neck and shoulder pain. Participants self-reported fewer headaches when using an external mouse. Using no external accessories was associated with self-reported back pain. Although other musculoskeletal discomforts decreased over time, the changes were not statistically significant. There was a trend for the reduction of visual symptoms including dry/watery eyes and sore, tired eyes during the study. Conclusion Participatory ergonomics training and use of external devices may have significant health benefits for children involved in notebook programs who have daily exposure to this technology for school and leisure purposes. Internal and external validity of the results were limited by small sample size.

/pdf/an-ergonomics-training-program-for-student-notebook-computer-345ezsrvus.pdf

An ergonomics training program for student notebook computer users: preliminary outcomes of a six-year cohort study.

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An ergonomics training program for student notebook computer users: preliminary outcomes of a six-year cohort study.