A better way to use a laptop

Ergonomic consultants would likely tell anyone that is working off a laptop for more than a couple hours a day should move towards a proper setup involving an external keyboard and laptop stand. This is all aside from ensuring that your desk and chair are at the correct height for you. However, many folks end up working on the go style. So, what does one do to prevent ergonomic risk factors from putting them at risk of a musculoskeletal injury over time? Although you will likely never achieve an ideal setup, you’re not totally out of luck and with the following tricks and tips, you can participate in that 3-hour commute on a plane, train, or tech-bus without feeling like a repetitive strain injury is lurking around the corner!

The first strategy involves use of a lap-desk to achieve a work surface height (the height of your keyboard and mouse) that matches the elbow swing point when they are at the lowest height they drop to when the shoulders are relaxed and wide. The idea is that it allows mobility int eh shoulders and elbows when using the keyboard and mouse. This is critical to preventing overuse injuries to the wrists. The lap-desk, if designed well will also elevate the laptop display by opening up the angle between the laptop keyboard and the laptop display.

The second strategy to proper adjustment when working directly off a laptop is to use a chair that has no armrests or ones that adjust or are fixed at a height below the lowest height the elbows drop to. This again is to encourage mobility of the shoulders and elbows.

The third strategy would be to ensure that you lift your wrists and curl fingers when using the trackpad. Of course, using an external mouse is much better, but if you must use trackpad by keeping the wrist fixed and not planted. This will ensure reduced wrist extension and deviation.

Another strategy is to take frequent microbreaks. These microbreaks would be more frequent than typical microbreaks as they would be a 3-minute rest break every 20 minutes incorporating stretches that counter neck flexion, neck protraction, and wrist deviation. They would also focus on resting the eyes by looking further away for 20 seconds.

Ask an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility to help your business employees understand the specifics and demonstrate how to improve their on-the-go work lifestyle as now in these modern days, people are now working from home, working from the office, or working wherever they may be!