Effects of Notebook Computer Configuration and Task on User Biomechanics, Productivity, and Comfort

Details

• Personal Author:
  Shivers C ; Smith CA ; Sommerich CM ; Starr H
• Description:
  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. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Engineering Mining Noise Noise, Occupational Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Portable Computer Biomechanics Computer-equipment Computers Cumulative-trauma-disorders Ergonomics Humans Injuries Injury-prevention Laptop Computer Muscular-disorders Musculoskeletal-system Musculoskeletal-system-disorders Notebook Computer Pointing Device Work-areas Work-operations

  More +
• ISSN:
  0169-8141
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  North Carolina ; OSHA Region 4
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  7-31
• Volume:
  30
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20025966
• Citation:
  Int J Ind Ergon 2002 Jul; 30(1):7-31
• Contact Point Address:
  Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7906, Raleigh, NC 27695-7906
• Email:
  sommeric@eos.ncsu.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2002
• NORA Priority Area:
  Research Tools and Approaches: Exposure Assessment Methods
• Performing Organization:
  North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19990901
• Source Full Name:
  International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
• End Date:
  20040831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:b85bd61e2be76c7c0862a3f18c428ee7788018b9e5caa074457c9837c96b74fa5fe54f2ea831e6be46c459dbb98218165fdbcc935120827733c443abf8102aa0
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/197118/cdc_197118_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 201.76 KB ]