Comparison of Neck Pain and Posture with Spine Angle Tracking System between Static and Dynamic Computer Monitor Use

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of dynamic changes in monitor height and tilt on neck pain and posture of computer users. Using a wearable device, we aim to compare neck pain and spine angle between static and dynamic monitors. A spine angle tracking system using the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was proposed, and the accuracy was validated. Eight office workers participated for five hours over two days, and each day used either a static monitor or a dynamic monitor that changed height and tilt every 30 min. The angles of C0, C7, L1, and S1 endplates were estimated using the proposed system. Changes in neck pain and spine angle with time were compared in static and dynamic monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient confirmed a high concordance between the estimated and actual angles (p < 0.001). Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG) score increased less in the dynamic monitor compared to the static monitor (p = 0.003). Spinal curvatures are bent in the static monitor compared to the dynamic monitor. The estimated angles aligned well with X-ray measurements. A dynamic monitor that changes height and tilt at regular intervals may reduce neck pain increase and reduce bend forward posture compared to a static monitor.