Ergonomic issues associated with the use of touchscreen desktop PC

Abstract

In this laboratory experiment, potential ergonomic concerns associated with the use of a touchscreen desktop PC have been investigated by quantifying neck and shoulder muscle activities, subjective discomfort ratings, and user-preferred positions of the computer workstation in three different usage scenarios of touchscreen PC (no touch interface; standard keyboard for typing with display tapping; on-screen keyboard with display tapping). Results found significantly greater (p < 0.05) activity of neck and shoulder muscles and increments in subjective discomfort ratings associated with the use of touch interfaces such as the on-screen keyboard and display tapping. In addition, participants placed the touchscreen closer and lower with more tilt when using the touch interfaces. It was concluded that the use of a touchscreen in desktop PC setting could generate greater biomechanical stress and discomfort than a traditional setting, and it might be attributable to greater or more frequent arm and hand movement in floating arm postures.