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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 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study used longitudinal data from an alternative keyboard intervention study to test pathways between physical, work organization/psychosocial, stress and musculoskeletal symptom factors postulated by Sauter and Swanson in their ecological model of musculoskeletal disorders in office work. Data on work organization, stress and musculoskeletal symptoms were collected from 189 office workers at baseline and 1 year later. After baseline, an alternative keyboard was provided to half of the participants, while the remaining participants continued using a conventional keyboard. Regression analyses on the Year 1–baseline difference scores revealed significant relationships for keyboard condition and musculoskeletal symptoms, keyboard condition and work organization and work organization and stress. However, the relationships between work organization and musculoskeletal symptoms, keyboard condition and stress and stress and musculoskeletal symptoms were not significant. Thus, the analyses provided partial support for the tested pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]