Student spinal injuries on the rise as laptops prove hazardous to posture
Laptops could be responsible for deforming students’ spines, researchers at University College London’s Interaction Centre have revealed.
A recent study of over 600 students found that most had never received ergonomic guidance on how to use a laptop safely.
The research found that over 50% of students had experienced pain as a result of excessive laptop use.
When completing long tasks, ill-informed students said they chose to use their laptops on top of their laps, as well as kneeling or lying in front of them while they worked.
As a result, a leaflet offering ergonomic advice and safety precautions for students has been produced by the research team.
Lead researcher Rachel Benedyk said: “I’d love to say: ‘Don’t make your laptop your main computer,’ but I’m also aware of the positives – how they fit so well into students’ lives due to their mobility.”
But Ms Benedyk still recommended that when using a laptop to complete long tasks, such as writing essays or reading online information, the safest method is to set up the laptop on a desk, with an external keyboard and mouse attached.
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