New research from a U.S university has found the best way to avoid pain when using tablet devices is by placing the gadget higher to avoid low angles.
Fifteen “experienced tablet users” were monitored as they undertook “simple computer tasks such as Internet browsing and reading, game playing, email reading and responding, and movie watching”.
As they used the tablets, a mixture of iPad 2s and Motorola Xooms, an infrared recording system monitored the way their bodies moved.
Both types of console came with the adjustable cases and stands users are familiar with.
The results were then analysed by university boffins, who concluded that the lower down the tablet is placed, the more discomfort you are likely to experience.
Lead investigator Jack T Dennerlein PhD of the US Department of Environmental Health, the Harvard School of Public Health, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital said:
‘Compared to typical desktop computing scenarios, the use of media tablet computers is associated with high head and neck flexion postures, and there may be more of a concern for the development of neck and shoulder discomfort.’