Effect of tablet tilt positioning on ergonomic risks and respiratory function

The static posture associated with continuous tablet use can lead to musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremities as well as respiratory function disorders. We hypothesized that 0-degree tablet placement (flat on a table) would affect ergonomic risks and respiratory function. Eighteen undergraduate students were divided into two groups (n = 9 per group). In the first group, the tablet was placed at a 0-degree angle, whereas in the second group, it was placed at a 40- to 55-degree angle on a student learning chair. The tablet was used continuously for 2 h for writing and internet use. Rapid upper-limb assessment (RULA), craniovertebral angle, and respiratory function were assessed. There was no significant difference in respiratory function, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV(1)/FVC, between the groups (p = 0.09) or within groups. However, there was a statistically significant between-group difference in RULA (p = 0.001), with the 0-degree group having a greater ergonomic risk. There were also significant within-group differences between pre- and posttest. The CV angle differed significantly between groups (p = 0.03), whereby the 0-degree group had poor posture, as well as within the 0-degree group (p = 0.039), though not within the 40- to 55-degree group (p = 0.067). Undergraduate students who place their tablets at a 0-degree angle face increased ergonomic risks and higher potential for developing musculoskeletal disorders and poor posture. Thus, elevating the tablet and instituting rest intervals may prevent or decrease the ergonomic risks among tablet users.