title: Comparison of Spinal Angles in a Typing Task on a Laptop and a Desktop Computer: A Preliminary Study.
abstract: This study's objective was to discover whether a difference exists in four postural angles while performing a typing task on a laptop and a desktop computer.
  
  
  
  Twenty healthy participants performed a 5-min typing task on each computer.
  
  
  
  Statistically significant differences for all angles were found when comparing sitting at the desktop computer with sitting at the laptop. Neck angle (p < .0005), head tilt (p < .0005), and lumbar lordosis (p = .018) were significantly higher when using the laptop. The greatest posterior pelvic tilt was associated with the desktop (p = .018).
  
  
  
  A desktop appears to be more appropriate for the cervical and lumbar regions; however, using a laptop may be more suitable for pelvic tilt.
authors: Hiedar Alyami, MSc, PT, is Senior Musculoskeletal Physical Therapist, King Khalid Hospital, Ministry of Health, Najran, Saudi Arabia; H_Qanas@hotmail.com.
authors: Hiedar
authors: H
authors: Alyami
authors: Ali M. Albarrati, PhD, PT, is Assistant Professor, Health Rehabilitation Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Ali M
authors: AM
authors: Albarrati