Watch your posture when using a tablet

(CS) Researchers at Harvard University have found that using a tablet device can cause more severe neck or back strain than using a desktop computer due to the hunched position users assume when holding the device in their hands.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health used two different tablets in their study, a regular iPad and the Motorola Xoom, and asked 15 frequent tablet users to sit in a variety of postures and using the device with or without a case.

They found that there is significant strain on the neck, especially when users place the device in their lap. Only when placing the device on a table on the highest case angle setting did neck posture approach neutral.

Researchers hope that the results of their study will go toward improving case-design, allowing for higher angle settings.

Even though the devices were designed to be used on the go, researchers recommend not using the device in a lap position for prolonged period of time, but rather placing it on a table.

Further research is set to shed more light on how arm, wrist and hand position influence posture when using tablet touch screens, especially for activities such as typing.

Access the full paper here.