Embodiments detect problematic ergonomic positions and movement patterns for a user physically operating a hand-held mobile device as a function of sensory data, via comparing current user ergonomic movement pattern to knowledge base activity movements labeled as problematic ergonomic movements. Thus, in response to determining that a user ergonomic movement pattern matches a labeled hand movements, the embodiments drive communication component of the mobile device to alert the user of engaging the device in a problematic ergonomic movement, and recommend an alternative ergonomic position for use in engaging the device.