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The Science Behind G-Hold Tablet Holders and Phone Holders

Two separate studies were conducted at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Biomechanics Laboratory to assess the impact of tablet usage and smartphone usage on the hand and wrist. 

 

Smartphone Ergonomics Study - 2022

 

A feasibility study was conducted at the Biomechanics Laboratory, Institute for Clinical Exercise and Health Science at the University of the West of Scotland on February 22, 2022. Anthropometric measurements of the hand were obtained before performing the electromyographic (EMG) feasibility study using two participants (one male and one female).

EMG Sensors Monitors were attached four muscles of the hand and forearm, namely: (1) Abductor Digiti Minimi, (2) Abductor Pollicis Brevis, (3) Flexor Digitorum Superficialis and (4) Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis.

G-Hold Phone Holder ergonomics testing with EMG sensors at the UWS Biomechanics Laboratory


Users were asked to conduct every-day tasks on an iPhone 13 Pro smartphone (typing, selfies, data input, scrolling) holding the device with the following accessories:

  1. Firstly, on its own without any phone grip or phone holder accessories
  2. Secondly, with a Pop-Out Grip accessory on a leading-brand case
  3. Thirdly, with a G-Hold Phone Holder on a MagSafe case.


Upon data collection by Dr Chris Ugbolue, data was processed, analysed and compared. In all active tasks performed, the G-Hold Innovation reduced the amount of muscle activity in comparison to both the Pop-Out Grip Case and the phone with no holder.

The graphic below represents muscle activity outputs of the female participant during the texting task. 

Ergonomic phone testing at the UWS Biomechanics Laboratory

 

Tablet/iPad Ergonomics Study - 2015/16

 

A study was conducted at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in 2015/16 to assess the impact of regular tablet usage on the hand and wrist.

Monitors were attached to the hand and wrists of tablet users in the biomechanics laboratory of the Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science at UWS. Users were asked to conduct every-day tasks on their tablets (typing, photography, data input, scrolling) holding the device, first on its own, without any tablet grip, and then with a G-Hold® tablet holder.

 

The test revealed a significant reduction in strain on the hand and wrist (particularly around the carpal tunnel) when users had their hand in a G-Hold® tablet holder as opposed to without, as visualized in the figure below. 

G-Hold tablet ergonomics testing

 

Testimonials

The following video is an ergonomic review of G-Hold® tablet holder by David Bowmaker B.Sc (Physio), MSc (Sp. Sci.), M.Phty (Manip Physio), MCSP, HCPC, MMPA (Aus). Bowmaker is a chartered Physiotherapist and Specialist in Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries at the Life Fit Wellness Clinic.

"The G-Hold allows me to sit up properly, keeping my back and neck aligned, and my hand in a nice, relaxed position. And for my clients, if they have neck or back problems, I have no hesitation in recommending the G-Hold for their iPads or tablets to avoid any issues associated with holding their devices for too long."

 

University of Michigan, Sarah Platt Cooney, Ergonomics Program

"This new product, G-Hold, is fantastic. It allows the fingers to be very close together, but still hold the tablet securely, without having the fingers forced apart like other competitors in the market that cause pain down the back of the hand."

 

Stanford University advice:

"Maintain neutral wrist posture and alternate hands when holding devices."