Ergonomic tips for better iPad use

As iPads become more common, the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health Ergonomics Center has some helpful advice and suggestions to help maximize their use.

For handling and working with the iPad, Jerome Congleton, Ph.D., PE, CPE, professor, and Mark Benden, Ph.D., CPE, assistant professor, co-directors of the Ergonomics Center, suggest three basic ergonomic tips:

• Avoid contact pressure (forearm resting against the corner of your desk).
• Position the top edge of the iPad at what would be equivalent of chest-to-eye level so you are not looking down too much, thereby avoiding neck fatigue.
• Purchase an iPad case that allows for propping up so you can have the option of using an external keyboard. Cases with angular adjustments for iPad propping and handles for carrying and holding are best.