User discomfort, work posture and muscle activity while using a touchscreen in a desktop PC setting

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate physical risk factors associated with the use of touchscreen in a desktop personal computer (PC) setting. Subjective rating of visual/body discomfort, shoulder and neck muscle activity, elbow movement and user-preferred positions of the workstation were quantified from 24 participants during a standardised computer use task with a standard keyboard and a mouse (traditional setting), with a touchscreen and the standard keyboard (mixed-use condition) and with the touchscreen only. The use of a touchscreen was associated with a significant increase of subjective discomfort on the shoulder, neck and fingers, myoelectric activity of shoulder and neck muscles and percentage of task duration that arms were in the air. Participants placed the touchscreen closer and lower when using touch interfaces compared with the traditional setting. Results suggest that users would need more frequent breaks and proper armrests to reduce physical risks associated with the use of a touchscreen in desktop PC settings.

Statement of Relevance: In this study, subjective discomfort, work posture and muscle activity of touchscreendesktop PC users were quantitatively evaluated. The findings of this study can be used to understand potential risksfrom the use of a touchscreen desktop PC and to suggest design recommendations for computer workstations with the touchscreen.

Keywords:

• armrest
• computer display
• computer workstation
• EMG
• tabletop PC
• touchscreen
• VDT

Acknowledgements

This research was partly supported by the Office Ergonomics Research Committee.