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Reprinted from The
RSI Network - Issue 40 - August'99
Vivienne Griffin
vgriffin@pbasedergo.com
Norman J. Kahan, MD
(408) 725-7277, Fax: (408) 725-2625
njkahan@yahoo.com
Today, many computer users have turned to convenient portable laptops
as either an adjunct to their work stations, or as an alternative to a desk top computer.
Just as desktop computers have specific guidelines and recommendations for safe and
healthy use, so do laptops. The following is a list of things to consider and try to
promote and ensure comfort when using them.
Laptop Typing Guidelines
- Set up the laptop keyboard, much like you would your regular keyboard. Elbows should be
level with or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at approximately 90 degrees,
wrists level, upper arms hanging as vertically as possible)
- Try using a chair that does not have arm rests so that you will have room to move your
arms.
- If you have the option to plug in your regular keyboard and monitor to your lap top, do
so.
- If not, avoid resting on the wrist rest areas WHILE typing. Try using whole hand and arm
movements to navigate around the keys.
- If you are unfamiliar with your laptop keyboard, try watching your hands at first to
learn where all the keys are placed. Some of them may have been rearranged.
- As the touch on lap tops are often lighter, and the key bed is shallow, be especially
careful not to pound on the keys.
- If your laptop has a glide point that is difficult to move, try plugging in an external
mouse, and / or try using key commands instead.
- When looking down at the screen, be careful not to bend your neck and head forward to
see. Try tucking in your chin to look down, keeping your head and neck more or less
balanced over the spine.
Guidelines for using laptops "on the go"
- When traveling, make sure to set your self up as ergonomically as possible. If you are
in a hotel, conference room, or any other facility, dont settle for resting your
laptop on a desk, table, counter, or surface that is high or far from reach. Your options
include:
- Using a pillow, pad or even folded towels, to raise your chair high enough so that your
elbows are level or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at approximately 90
degrees).
- Asking if the hotel has a docking station for laptops. If not, ask if there are computer
workstations for desktops (many hotels are computer user friendly) and plug into their
keyboard and monitor.
- If you cant find a surface low enough, or a chair high enough, then your lap is
always an option.
- Sit so that your knees and hips are level. This will allow the laptop to rest
comfortably on your lap.
- Again, be careful with your neck. Look down at the screen by tucking your chin in as
opposed to bending your entire neck down, as this can cause strain and fatigue to the neck
and shoulder area.
- Try using a chair that does not have armrests to give you room to move your arms.
- If you elect to place your computer on the food tray, and it is too high to achieve
comfort, try raising your seat height by folding one or two blankets under you. If that
doesnt work, you may be best off using your lap.
- Laptops are often heavy which means you should avoid carrying them with a handle. Try
carrying them on your shoulder and use a bag with a padded shoulder strap.
- Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks. Stand up and stretch. If you feel any strains or
pains, stop what you are doing and experiment with different positions. The same rules of
healthy computer use applies to laptops as well as desktops.
About the Authors
Vivienne Griffin, a concert pianist, and Norman J. Kahan, MD, a physiatrist
(specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation), have developed the Motion Based
Ergonomics (MBE) Keyboard Retraining Program, an innovative and effective
program designed to address RSI problems associated with improper use of the computer
keyboard and mouse. Dr. Kahans office is located at 10430 S. DeAnza Blvd.,
Cupertino, CA, 95014.
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