Recent research from Washington State University has found that looking at a tablet computer puts three to five times more strain on users’ neck muscles than when the neck is not bent. The amount of neck strain was similar whether the participant was typing or reading.

Researchers studied 30 students and teachers who typed and read on tablets for several minutes. Strain on the neck was lowest when the tablet computer was held up high compared to laying it flat on a surface. The extra strain on the neck can result in pain and fatigue, according to results of the study.