Laptops have become the preferred option for many computer users. For short periods of time the body can tolerate the poor postures that laptop use creates, however longer periods of use commonly causes the body problems.
A desktop computer with a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse allows the user to position each item of equipment to best suit them. Laptops do not allow this. When the keyboard is in the correct position for the arms, the screen is too low and close. When the screen is at a good height for the head and neck, the keyboard is too high for the arms.
For comfort and injury prevention, the body needs to be positioned in a reasonably upright posture with the head balanced over the trunk and the arms close to the body. The options below show how a laptop can be used with safe postures.
If you cannot set your laptop up in one of the ways described above, using it on a slightly angled laptop stand can help. This gives a slightly angled keyboard and slightly raised screen, which improves the posture.
Written by Judy Ross, Registered Occupational Therapist