The ergonomic integration of writing \reading and typing on the same time.
Writing and reading are human inventions that fit our motor and biomechanical abilities but on the same time they create a problem when combined with typing on a computer.
While writing and reading on paper have decreased significantly, still, from my work with many high-tech and software industries, the use of paper, writing, and reading is far from disappearing.
In this article, I will explain why the combination of reading/writing and typing simultaneouslly is an ergonomic dilemma, which is manifested in skeletal\ muscle issues such as back pain ,wrist inflammation, eye fatigue, and more.
And of course- How to solve that?
Writing is optimally performed, like other actions, in a hand position of about 90 degrees downward, while reading/looking at the screen is preformed horizontal . The eye as a lens adapts to different distances, but the change in focus is difficult for us – most of us hold the book/screen parallel to the eye and not at any angle.
This fact alone indicate that the "work " of the eye – looking is "done" in about 40 cm from where our hands are best positioned for work .
The meaning is that when ever we have to look down on the keyboard \ paper we are already putting some strain on our nape!
It is even getting worse as we have to combine typing and writing .
- While "blind typing" on a computer allows us to keep fixed eye-screen distance, when we write/read, we must change both the focus of the eye and tilt our head towards the paper on the desk. That is, we create tension in the neck and strain in the cervical spine.
For short periods and limited time, this does not cause harm, but on a regular basis, significant damage is created!
- Naturally, writing employs our hands, and so does typing and mouse movement. These are two different movements that, optimally, should be done at about 90 degrees close to the body, and any deviation from this position creates muscle tension.
Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to ergonomic factors such as proper seating and desk height, eye-screen distance, and wrist support to prevent physical damage and discomfort while working on a computer
Those are two different movements that are supposed to be performed at around the same area \ angel with the body
As a result, a person who combine reading/writing & typing in their work will produce a faulty body and hand posture because eitherthe position of the paper or keyboard is not correct.
Is there a structural ergonomic solution?
Unfortunately , not that I know off !
But , we can reduce the damage :
a.Vertical paper holders at the height of the computer screen can help.
- A document holder that allows for quick adjustment of paper above the keyboard eases hand strain.
- Moving to the side of the computer screen and doing reading or writing in a different area on the desk.
- Practicing specific functional fitness exercises during the workday, especially for the hands/eyes.
In summary, work that requires reading/writing, especially when combined with computer work, creates a well-known problem in the body that does not have a structural ergonomic solution.
As seen in the attached photo of the old student's desk, when the world of knowledge required reading and writing only, there was an ergonomic insight that sought to narrow the body gap between the eyes and hands.
This was achieved through a slight bend of the desk surface.
This solution was abandoned due to costs and the nature of computer work (holding the neck at less than 90 degrees may create a load on the neck). It is recommended to use the proposed ergonomic solutions.
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