Action Physiotherapy Weighs in on Study Linking Neck Damage to Tablet Computer Usage
Action Physiotherapy weighs in on a Washington State University study that examines the link between using tablet computers and neck damage.
Brampton, Canada – August 21, 2015 /MarketersMedia/ —
Action Physiotherapy (www.actionphysiotherapy.com), a leading provider of effective physiotherapy in Brampton, is offering their thoughts on a study from Washington State University that links neck damage to tablet computer usage.
The use of tablet computers like iPads has skyrocketed. In the last year, 42% of 18-year-olds owned a tablet, whereas 50% of 35- to 49-year-olds used the devices regularly. Using a tablet requires considerable head and neck flexing, which could potentially lead to injury. (Source: Taylor & Francis, “Tablet Use, significance of usage position, potential for neck damage,” Science Daily, March 13, 2015, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150313083406.htm)
The authors from the study looked at 33 university students. The students were tested while typing and reading on their tablets for two to five minutes in different positions. The study determined that using a tablet in a position that left it flat on a desk or a lap resulted in an increase in strain on the user’s neck. The researchers also discovered that reading and typing place different amounts of stress on the neck. The study further uncovered that users place three to five times more demand on their neck if they do not use their device in a neutral position
“Many people are aware that sitting in front of a desktop computer for long periods of time can lead to back, shoulder and neck pain, however, the health effects of tablet use are just becoming known to the general public,” says Robert Kappes, M.Sc (PT), Registered Physiotherapist at Action Physiotherapy. “There is a link between prolonged neck flexion and pain. Due to the portability of these devices, it’s much harder to keep your spine (neck and back) in a neutral position.”
To limit the strain on one’s neck when using tablets, Kappes suggests that patients avoid sitting or lying on a couch or bed, and instead sit tall with their shoulders back and neck straight. He also recommends using a stand for the tablet and using a portable keyboard if people do a lot of typing. Patients should also get up every 20-30 minutes, even if it is only for 30 seconds, and do a posture check to ensure they are not slouching.
“Technology is always advancing and we teach our patients how to adapt their posture to use new technology safely,” says Kappes. “It’s not the new technology that is the problem, it is how we use it.”
As a top provider of physiotherapy in Brampton, Action Physiotherapy offers a number of treatment options for patients suffering from neck, back and shoulder injuries due to strain. They are a leading provider of physiotherapy for patients suffering from posture related issues. Action Physiotherapy helps clients find their natural posture and teaches them how to maintain it. For more information on Action Physiotherapy, visit the clinic’s website at www.actionphysiotherapy.com.
For more information about us, please visit http://www.actionphysiotherapy.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Robert Kappes
Organization: Action Physiotherapy
Address: 2-332 Main St, N Brampton, ON CA
Phone: 9054577475
Release ID: 89616
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