BU Professor Teaches Healthy Computing for Laptop Users

Monday, October 3, 2005

(Boston) – Laptop computers make life more portable by offering high technology in a compact, light and self-sufficient device. While many people use laptops instead of a desktop computer to mobilize their work, laptops are not ergonomically designed for prolonged use. Improper setup and frequent use of laptops for extended periods can lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort as well as several health problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle tension and headaches.

Karen Jacobs, clinical professor of occupational therapy at Boston University (BU) Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and past president of the American Occupational Therapy Association explains that laptops are not ergonomically designed for individual users.

“The screen and keyboard are not detachable so they can't be adjusted to fit various body types and sizes,” says Jacobs. “The size of a laptop also promotes bad posture such as hunched shoulders and a slouched back that can lead to fatigue and pain in your neck, shoulder, wrists, back and eyes.”

To reduce discomfort and risk of injury, Jacobs recommends the following simple workstation modifications for laptop setup (see also the visual explanation below):

Monitor

  • Place the monitor of the computer directly in front of you at an arms length away
  • Raise the entire computer so that the center of the monitor is at eye level

Keyboard

  • Use a separate keyboard so you can raise the monitor to eye level
  • Position keyboard so elbows are relaxed and next to the body at about 90°
  • Use a keyboard tray
  • Gently tilt the keyboard at a “negative tilt” so that the front is 7-15° lower than the back
  • To avoid excess wrist extension, do not use the “feet” on the bottom of the keyboard

Chair

  • Use a height-adjustable chair with a low back support
  • Allow back to be slightly reclined in the chair and keep feet flat on the floor or use a foot rest

Mouse

  • Place your external mouse close to the keyboard to avoid stretching to reach it

Lighting

  • Reduce overhead lighting to avoid glare on the screen
  • Close drapes and blinds to block bright and direct sunlight

Rest Breaks

  • Follow the “20/20/20 rule:” take a break every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds and look at least 20 feet away from the monitor

The following pictures illustrate proper and improper laptop setup:

The RIGHT laptop setup The WRONG laptop setup

Boston University (BU) Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is an institution of higher education, research and clinical centers whose premier academic programs prepare dynamic health professionals and whose research and leadership in the health and rehabilitation sciences is actively shaping health care. BU Sargent College is the only private institution in the country offering five nationally ranked graduate programs in health and rehabilitation sciences. For more information and to learn about degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, language and hearing sciences, health science, athletic training, nutrition, and rehabilitation counseling, visit http://www.bu.edu/sargent.