Is neck and shoulder posture, muscle activity and discomfort influenced by tablet inclination in young adults with and without neck pain?
Issued Date
2025-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19326203
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105004017230
Journal Title
PLoS ONE
Volume
20
Issue
4 April
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
PLoS ONE Vol.20 No.4 April (2025)
Suggested Citation
Bhuanantanondh P., Rungkitlertsakul S., Richards J. Is neck and shoulder posture, muscle activity and discomfort influenced by tablet inclination in young adults with and without neck pain?. PLoS ONE Vol.20 No.4 April (2025). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0322207 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/110033
Title
Is neck and shoulder posture, muscle activity and discomfort influenced by tablet inclination in young adults with and without neck pain?
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of tablet inclination on neck and shoulder posture, muscle activity, and discomfort in young adults with and without neck pain during a prolonged writing task. Participants performed a continuous writing task on a tablet for 40 minutes under two conditions, tablet lying flat and with a 30o inclination. The results showed that young adults with neck pain demonstrated higher neck-shoulder muscle activity and discomfort whilst maintaining a similar neck-shoulder posture than those without neck pain. The 30o inclination improved neck-shoulder posture and reduced neck discomfort but induced greater shoulder muscle activity. After 20 minutes, the flat tablet led to increased neck muscle activity in the neck pain group and increased neck discomfort in the group without neck pain. In conclusion, young adults should be recommended to use a 30o inclination and writing on a flat tablet for longer than 20 minutes should be discouraged.