The musculoskeletal disorder effects on the use of single and dual monitor workstations

Technological advances make computers important part of every workplace. However, excessive exposure to computers brings a number of health concerns. Previous studies showed that user´s performance and efficiency were positively affected by the use of dual and/or multiple screen monitors; however the effects on the use of single/dual screen monitors on musculoskeletal disorder in upper extremities is not yet fully explored. In this regard, this paper intends to identify the effects on the use of single and dual monitors on the musculoskeletal disorder. Three different tasks of reading, searching/finding, and typing were used in the study. Using various monitor setups, the participants´ response times were recorded, body postures were analyzed and movement of head and neck postures was assessed. Results indicated that the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by participants was significantly affected by the monitor layout and the type of tasks. Users adopted more rotated head neck postures while working with dual monitor compared to single monitor. Working postures with respect to the monitor layout were found to depend on the type of task. Typing task obtained higher postural load followed by search/find, and reading tasks. Results also showed that age and gender significantly affect musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by participants.