Question:
What are some best practices surrounding device use to ensure proper ergonomics?
Answer:
Using a mobile device for work has both benefits and drawbacks when thinking about musculoskeletal stress. St. Vrain Valley Schools vetted several cases for multiple factors, one of which was to find a case with a stand that facilitated a neutral typing position to mitigate over-use injuries.
Below are are few tips to help mitigate potential musculoskeletal stress from device use:
- Maintain a neutral writing position when typing
- Use the provided case stand for that purpose
- Be mindful of neck position
- Hold the device or use the stand in a manner that creates a neutral neck position
- Use the device for educational purposes
- Repetitive gaming motions can cause muscle stress and fatigue
To reduce eye strain and fatigue follow these tips:
- Place the screen 20-26 inches away from your face and slightly below eye level
- Keep the screen (or screen cover) clean
- Regularly remove dust and fingerprints
- Take breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule:
- Take a break every 20-minutes and look at something 20-feet away for 20-seconds
- Use device with good lighting (not too dark or excessive brightness)
- Adjust the display settings:
- Set the brightness to match your surroundings and adjust the text size