The Dangers of Wearing Laptop for a Long Time

Children and adolescents carrying a laptop is now a common sight. However, parents are advised to restrict the use of laptops in young people because it can affect the growth of muscles and their posture.

According to a study by a team from Boston University, revealed about 50 percent of the student laptop users often complain of pain after using the computer for an hour. Research carried out on 18 million students in 2008.
'Interference in the musculoskeletal system that occurs in childhood through young adulthood need to be a concern because of their posture and musculoskeletal system is still developing, "said Karen Jacobs, lead researcher and therapist from Boston University.

He explained that the complaint of pain due to the use of laptops are now often experienced by children in many countries. In addition to parents to monitor the duration of the use of laptops, Jacobs also recommends that children be taught to do the stretching and muscle exercises to prevent posture problems in the future.

The report that was launched by The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2009 found musculoskeletal disorders (muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons) reached 29 percent of all accidents in the workplace and cause the workers to take sick leave.


According to Jacobs, one of the causes of muscle or joint disorders in children are a laptop user's desk that is used is not appropriate. To relieve soreness, he suggested that laptop users use a mouse than the trackpad on the laptop.

'Using a trackpad made we are in an awkward position because the position of the hand through the body, rather than relaxing on the side,' said Jacobs, who had become president of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

When using the trackpad, usually a finger, tendon fingers are constantly being widened and cause muscle and joint tension. In a long time, this discomfort will extend to the shoulder, wrist, and arm.

Besides, most people also rest their wrists when using the touchpad. This condition is called contact pressure (contact stress) and would overload the wrist muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

'Laptops originally designed for use on the desk. Therefore, should we add accessories such as mice and keyboards to prevent joint pain, 'said Jacobs.

From the research he is doing, it is known that children who suffer the most pain because the use of laptops are generally children who are not actively engaged. 'There is a trend that physically active people more often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders.
 This occurs both in children and adults, 'said Robin Billespie, ergonomics expert.

Like athletes who must perform to warm up before getting out into the field, Jacobs also suggested that laptop users are stretching on the sidelines wearing laptop. 'Walking around after using the laptop for two hours is a good start,' he said. He also advised to perform stretching exercises the hands, neck, back, and head every day.

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