scholarly journals Using a laptop computer for work: musculoskeletal disorders and the functional characteristics of the neck in comparison with the users of desktop computers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Argus ◽  
Mati Pääsuke
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Left Shoulder ◽  
Laptop Computer ◽  
Functional Characteristics ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Desktop Computers ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold

Abstract Background Using a laptop for work is gaining rapid popularity, but there is little evidence of how it influences musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of upper body MSDs and functional characteristics of the neck between office workers using a laptop or desktop computer. Methods A total of 110 office workers with a mean age of 41 ± 10 participated. From them 45 office workers (73% female) used a laptop and 65 office workers (86% female) desktop computers. The prevalence of MSDs was recorded using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Active range of motion (AROM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) force, joint position error (JPE), and pain-pressure threshold (PPT) of the neck were measured. Results Laptop users had statistically significantly more MSDs in the right shoulder area on the day of participation (p < 0.001, OR = 4.47), during the previous 7 days (p < 0.01, OR = 3.74) and 6 months (p < 0.01, OR = 3.57). Laptop users had also significantly more MSDs in the left shoulder during the previous 7 days (p < 0.05, OR = 2.44). Desktop computer users had more MSDs in the low back during the previous 6 months (p < 0.05, OR = 2.24). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the functional characteristics of the neck between the groups. Conclusions Using the laptop computer for office work can cause a higher chance of developing MSDs in the neck and shoulder area, but might not have a long-term effect on the functional characteristics of the neck.

scholarly journals Correlations between body postures and musculoskeletal pain in guitar players

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262207
Author(s):  
Sigal Portnoy ◽  
Shlomit Cohen ◽  
Navah Z. Ratzon
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Left Shoulder ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Left Wrist ◽  
Physical Comfort ◽  
The Right

Background The guitar-playing community is the largest group at risk of developing playing related musculoskeletal disorders. A thorough investigation of the relationships between the various risk factors and players’ report on musculoskeletal pain using objective and accurate means of assessment has yet to be reported. Purpose (a) to explore the correlations between demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, playing habits, and personal habits of guitar player and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, (b) explore the correlations between the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, and (c) compare the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar while sitting versus standing. Methods Twenty-five guitar players (27.5±4.6 years old) filled out questionnaires regarding their guitar-playing habits, and the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Kinematics of their torso and upper limbs were tracked while they played a tune twice, once while sitting and once while standing. Results We found moderate correlations between the number of painful joints in the last year and factors, such as physical comfort while playing, years of playing, and position during playing. During standing, lower back pain severity correlated with the rotation range of the torso, while during sitting, it moderately correlated with the average radial-ulnar deviation of the right wrist. During sitting, we found higher anterior and right tilt of the torso, combined with greater abduction of the right shoulder, higher flexion in the left shoulder and higher radial deviation in the left wrist. Conclusion Our results point to several risk factors, related both to playing habits but also to playing posture, which should be considered by the guitar players in order to prevent playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Association of individual and device usage factors with musculoskeletal disorders amongst handheld devices users during homestay due to pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Jain ◽  
Kunj Bihari Rana ◽  
Makkhan Lal Meena
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is spreading in India and different parts of the world. The outbreak delivered not only the condition of dying from infection but also forced people (especially office workers and students) to perform all working (office work, classes, assignments, etc.) and non-working activities (leisure activities such as social media, gaming, etc.) at home using handheld devices (HHDs). In this situation, HHD usage for longer durations is mainly responsible for work-related health issues. Therefore, the paper aims to explore HHD usage patterns and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) amongst HHD users during homestay and the impact of individual and HHD usage–related factors on MSDs.Design/methodology/approachFrom different states of India, 651 people (especially HHD users from universities and industries) were sampled by using systematic cluster random sampling. In addition, an online questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs. Finally, mean comparisons and chi-square analysis was used to analyse the collected data.FindingsThe prevalence rate of MSDs was higher in upper body parts as compared to the lower body parts. The association of gender with MSDs in various body parts was substantial. The time spent on various working and non-working activities using HHDs was significantly associated with MSDs in upper body parts.Practical implicationsHomestay work may be used as an alternative working arrangement, and the risk factors that have the most significant impact on the health of HHD users may be identified by organizations. The findings suggest the proper use of HHDs as per their essential need with intermediate recreational activities.Originality/valueIt is observed that the musculoskeletal health of office workers and university students is a cause for concern during homestay. The current study provides the prevalence of MSDs experienced by HHD users and the association of individual and HHD usage factors with MSDs.

Menthol-Based Topical Analgesic Induces Similar Upper and Lower Body Pain Pressure Threshold Values: A Randomized Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
David G. Behm ◽  
Nehara Herat ◽  
Gerard M.J. Power ◽  
Joseph A. Brosky ◽  
Phil Page ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Pain Sensitivity ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold ◽  
Topical Analgesics ◽  
Topical Analgesic

Context: Both health professionals and consumers use menthol-based topical analgesics extensively for the temporary relief of pain from musculoskeletal ailments or injury. However, there are no reports of differences in the pain pressure threshold (PPT) or the relative effectiveness of topical analgesics to reduce pain in the upper and lower body muscles and tendons. The objective of this study was to investigate whether differences existed in PPT and relative pain attenuation associated with a menthol-based topical analgesic over a variety of upper and lower body muscles and tendons. Design: Randomized allocation, controlled, intervention study. Methods: Sixteen participants (10 females and 6 males) were tested on their dominant or nondominant side. The order of specific muscle/tendon testing was also randomized, which included upper body (middle deltoid, biceps brachii, and lateral epicondylar tendon) and lower body locations (quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, lumbosacral erector spinae muscles, and patellar and Achilles tendons). The PPT was monitored before and 15 minutes following the application of a menthol-based topical analgesic. Results: A menthol-based topical analgesic increased PPT (decreased pain sensitivity) overall (P = .05; 11.6% [2.4%]; d = 1.05) and PPT was higher (P < .0001; 31.5%–44.2%; d = 1.03–1.8) for lower versus upper body locations. Conclusions: Health professionals and the public can be assured of similar reductions in pain sensitivity independent of the location of application of a menthol-based topical analgesic.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of workplace exercise interventions in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers: a protocol of a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038854
Author(s):  
Carlos Tersa-Miralles ◽  
Roland Pastells-Peiró ◽  
Francesc Rubí-Carnacea ◽  
Filip Bellon ◽  
Esther Rubinat Arnaldo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionPhysical inactivity due to changes in our society towards more sedentary behaviours is leading to health problems. Increasing physical activity might be a good strategy to improve physical strength and reduce the prevalence of illnesses associated with prolonged sitting. Office workers exhibit a sedentary lifestyle with short rest periods or even without pauses during the workday. It is important to perform workplace interventions to treat musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting and lack of movement adopted on the office setting. This article describes a protocol for a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions on office workers in their work environment.Methods and analysisA literature search will be performed in the PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ISI WoS and PeDRO databases for randomised controlled trials and studies published from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2020 in English or Spanish. The participants will be office workers who spend most of their work time in a sitting position. The interventions performed will include any type of exercise intervention in the workplace. The outcome measures will vary in accordance with the aim of the intervention observed. The results of the review and the outcomes from the studies reviewed will be summarised with a narrative synthesis. The review protocol was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. The review outcomes and the additional data obtained will be disseminated through publications and in scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177462.

scholarly journals Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy middle-aged female adults in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Ohlendorf ◽  
Polyna Sosnov ◽  
Julia Keller ◽  
Eileen M. Wanke ◽  
Gerhard Oremek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Standing Position ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Body Posture ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Back Surface ◽  
Left Shoulder ◽  
Upper Body Posture ◽  
Standard Values

AbstractIn order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy young women. Data for female adults between 51 and 60 years are lacking. 101 symptom-free female volunteers aged 51–60 (55.16 ± 2.89) years. The mean height of the volunteers was 1.66 ± 0.62 m, with a mean body weight of 69.3 ± 11.88 kg and an average BMI of 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m2. By means of video raster stereography, a 3D-scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The confidence interval, tolerance range and ICCs were calculated for all parameters. The habitual standing position is almost symmetrical in the frontal plane the most prominent deviation being a slightly more ventral position of the left shoulder blade in comparison to the right. The upper body (spine position) is inclined ventrally with a minor tilt to the left. In the sagittal plane, the kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine is greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. The pelvis is virtually evenly balanced with deviations from an ideal position falling under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. There were also BMI influenced postural variations in the sagittal plane and shoulder distance. The ICCs are calculated from three repeated measurements and all parameters can be classified as "almost perfect". Deflections from an ideally symmetric spinal alignment in women aged 51–60 years are small-scaled, with a minimal frontal-left inclination and accentuated sigmoidal shape of the spine. Postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

scholarly journals Sex-specific Effects of Localized Muscle Fatigue on Upper Body Kinematics During a Repetitive Pointing Task

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Yang ◽  
Julie N. Côté
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Movement Pattern ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lateral Flexion ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Localized Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Spinal Movement ◽  
Pointing Task

Abstract BackgroundFemales are reported to have a higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders than males. Among risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, the mechanism of muscle fatigue remains unclear. Especially how females and males adapt to localized fatigue is poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to examine the sex-specific effects of fatigue location on shoulder, elbow and spinal joint angles, and angular variabilities during a repetitive pointing task.MethodsSeven males and ten females performed a standing repetitive pointing task when they were non-fatigued (NF), elbow-fatigued (EF), shoulder-fatigued (SF) and trunk-fatigued (TF), while trunk and upper body tridimensional kinematic data was recorded. Joint angles and angular variabilities of shoulder, elbow, upper thorax, lower thorax, and lumbar were calculated. ResultsResults showed that shoulder angles changed the most after EF in males, but after SF in females. The similarities between sexes were that SF increased the variabilities at upper (lateral flexion: 0.15° greater than NF, rotation: 0.26° greater than all other conditions) and lower thorax (lateral flexion: 0.13° greater than NF, rotation: averagely 0.1° greater than all other condition) in both sexes. TF altered upper thorax variability (0.36° smaller than SF), lower thorax angle (lateral flexion: 3.00° greater than NF, rotation: 1.68° greater than SF), and lumbar angle (averagely 1.8° smaller than all other conditions) in both sexes. However, females had greater lower thorax angle (lateral flexion: 8.3° greater, p=0.005) as well as greater upper (rotation: 0.53° greater, p=0.006) and lower thorax (rotation: 0.5° greater, p=0.007; flexion: 0.6° greater, p=0.014) angular variabilities.ConclusionsThe overall greater lower and upper thorax angular variabilities suggested a more unstable spinal movement pattern in females. The kinematic differences between sexes highlighted a few sex differences in adapting the localized muscle fatigue.

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