iPads can cause neck and shoulder pain

It’s a uniquely 21st century affliction: iPad shoulder.

But according to new health research, it really does exist.

As more and more of us use tablet computers such as Apple’s iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Motorola Xoom, experts warn of an upsurge in people complaining of neck and shoulder pain. 

And that, say researchers, is because we don’t understand how best to use the gadgets.  

Rather than sit hunched over the screen as if it were a laptop, we should be raising the tablet to a higher level – ideally on a table - and using a smart cover to prop it at an angle. 

The study, published today in Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation, is a collaboration between Harvard School of Public Health, Microsoft and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 

Lead investigator Jack T. Dennerlein said: "Compared to typical desktop computing scenarios, the use of media tablet computers is associated with high head and neck flexion postures, and there may be more of a concern for the development of neck and shoulder discomfort.”

Researchers took 15 experienced tablet users and asked them to complete a set of tasks, such as Internet browsing, game playing, movie watching and emailing, with both the Apple iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom.

Both have cases that can be adjusted to tilt the computer – the Apple Smart Cover and the Motorola Portfolio Case. Four ways of using the screens were tested: placed on the lap, using the lap case at its lowest setting, on a table with the case at its lowest setting and on a table with the case at its highest angle.

The researchers found that the head and neck were in general flexed more than for traditional desktop or notebook computing – and only when the devices were used on the table, with the cases set at their steepest angle, did users’ posture approach “neutral”.

“This suggests that tablet users should place the tablet higher, on a table rather than a lap, to avoid low gaze angles, and use a case that provides steeper viewing angles,” says the study.

The downside, however, is that use of steeper angles may affect the arms and wrists: "Further studies examining the effects of tablet and configuration on arm and wrist postures are needed to clarify and complete the postural evaluation," said Dr. Dennerlein.

He added: "Our results will be useful for updating ergonomic computing standards and guidelines for tablet computers. These are urgently needed as companies and health care providers weigh options to implement wide-scale adoption of tablet computers for business operations.”

This article was published on Thu 26 January 2012