healthylife

The emergence of these practical objects invite many adults, teenagers and even children to have it. Until now, the laptop became familiar sight we find, not only at the office and school office, currently has mushroomed in the playground though. However, the use of laptops out of their intelligence in young people should be limited also because it can affect the growth of muscles and their posture.

Based on a study by a team from Boston University, revealed about 50 percent of students laptop users often complain of pain after using the computer for an hour. Research carried out on 18 million students in 2008.

"Disorders of 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, chairman of the team of researchers and therapists from Boston University.

He explained that the complaints 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 suggested that children are taught to do the stretching and muscle exercises to prevent posture problems in the future.

The report quoted by The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2009 found musculoskeletal disorders (muscle, bone, ligaments, and tendons) reached 29 percent of all accidents in the workplace and cause 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 a laptop.

"Using the trackpad make we are in an awkward position because the position of the hand pass through the body, instead of relaxing on the side," said Jacobs, who had been president of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

When using the trackpad, generally one finger, the tendon fingers will constantly expand and cause muscle and joint tension. In a long time, this discomfort will extend to the shoulders, wrists, and forearms.

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

"Laptops are designed for use on the desk. Therefore, we should add accessories like a mouse and keyboard to prevent complaints of joint pain," said Jacobs.

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

Like athletes who must perform warm-up before dropping to the ground, Jacobs also recommend laptop users to stretch 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.