Laptops were never designed for long term use however by 2011 they are expected to represent 66 per cent of corporate purchases and 71 per cent of the consumer market. Falling prices, technological improvements and the increase in “hotspots” are the main factors driving these sales.

In the 1970’s personal computing desktop devices integrated the screen and keyboard into a single unit. When the first ergonomics design guidelines were written they unanimously called for separation of the monitor and keyboard.

This was because a fixed design violates a major ergonomic principle of being able to arrange the different components specifically for the user. With the keyboard and monitor connected when the keyboard is in the correct position for the user the monitor is not, if the monitor is optimal the keyboard isn’t. Laptops also incorporate an input device which can create further issues.

For occasional use and when working for short periods these ergonomic shortcomings may only be experienced as discomfort however full time laptop users need to ensure they are not hunched over in an awkward position and this requires external equipment.

* Position your laptop screen on the desk in front of you at a height that allows you to see the screen without bending your neck. This can be achieved by using either a laptop stand or a Docking Station.

* Connect an external mouse and keyboard to your laptop and place them on the work surface so that your hands/wrists are straight with your elbows by your side

* You will now be able to position Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse as you would a normal desktop in order to achieve the best working posture.

Speak to your Fix Program Physio to assist you in finding you the correct equipment for your improved laptop working environment. A small cost now to invest in the future of an improved posture and a happy pain free neck and back.

The following links can give you an idea of the solutions out there if you regularly use a laptop computer.

http://www.standit.com/

http://www.auzspec.com.au/s174558392_Laptop+Solutions.html

Not working hard enough at your Fix classes?

If you are a fan of youtube and have some spare time on your hands, check out AJ Bear, world class skiier from America on his. I must admit his pelvic control and stability is not ideal, but he is still quite impressive with his overall balance.

We often are asked about the best way to warm up prior to your game of soccer, tennis, netball or jog. There is a recent shift away form the old ways of thinking as scientific evidence regarding stretching builds up. Below is the link to a very interesting read about stretching from the New York Times “Play” Sports Magazine back in November 2008.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin

The article highlights short comings in the old practiced sustain hold (up to 30 seconds) stretches before exercise, citing evidence that this actually can increase your risk of injury through neural inhibition of the muscle. Neural inhibition “switches off” a protective reflex that can prevent muscular tears and sprains of the joints supported by those muscle systems. Some research states that these long hold stretches can reduce the muscles strength by up to 30% and can last up to 30 minutes after the stretching has taken place – time you actually are wanting your muscles at their optimum “readiness” in your game. There is even a documented “cross-over effect” to the same muscles but on the opposite limb due to these neural changes around the muscle.

“Warming up” is now heading towards a “dynamic muscle stretching” process by where the muscle’s “readiness” for exercise is brought about through increased blood flow to the muscle and compliance through the fibres and tendons. This is achieved through moving the muscles through stretches. Start with a light jog and then move into “sports specific” movements such as lunging, running side to side, running backwards, kicking and swinging the legs or arms side to side. Do this immediately before you run onto the court or field, so your muscles are prepared for the demands you are about to place on them.

Thanks to Jan M. who forwarded me this interesting article.