| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Aasa, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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Stress monitoring of ambulance personnel during work and leisure time
- 2006
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 80:1, s. 51-59
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess physiological and subjective stress markers during a 24-h ambulance work shift and during the next two work-free days, and relate these parameters to self-reported health complaints. Methods: Twenty-six ambulance personnel were followed during a 24-h work shift and during the next two work-free days with electrocardiogram, cortisol assessments and diary notes. The ambulance personnel also performed tests of autonomic reactivity before and at the end of the work shift. The subjects were categorized into two groups according to their number of health complaints. Results: In general, stress markers did not show differences between the work shift and leisure time. However, a modest deviation in heart rate variability pattern and higher morning cortisol values during work in comparison with work-free days were observed in personnel with many health complaints. Conclusions: Subjective and physiological characteristics of ambulance personnel did not indicate distinctive stress during the 24-h work shift. Relationships between frequent health complaints and specific work-related factors require further prospective studies.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Aasa, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of object size and precision demands on fatigue during computer mouse use
- 2011
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Ingår i: Advances in Physiotherapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1403-8196 .- 1651-1948. ; 13:3, s. 118-127
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prolonged computer use, especially if fatigue ensues, is associated with visual and musculoskeletal symptoms. The aim was to determine the time-course of perceived fatigue in the wrist, forearm, shoulder and eyes during a 60-min mouse task (painting rectangles), and whether object size and/or mouse use demands were of infl uence. Also, we investigated performance (number of rectangles painted), and whether perceived fatigue was paralleled by local muscle fatigue or tissue oxygenation.Ten women performed the task for three conditions (crossover design). At condition 1, rectangles were 45 25 mm, square paint cursor size 1.3 1.3 mm, and mouse – pointer movement ratio 1:26. At condition 2, the same cursor size and mouse – pointer movement ratio was used, but rectangles were smaller. At condition 3, the smaller rectangles were used, but the cursor size was also smaller and mouse – pointer movement ratio was 1:8. The results showed increased self-reported fatigue over time, with the observed increase greater for the eyes, but no change in physiological responses. Condition 2 resulted in higher performance and increased eye fatigue. Perceived fatigue in the muscles or physiological responses did not differ between conditions. In conclusion, computer work tasks imposing high visual and motor demands, and with high performance, seemed to have an infl uence on eye fatigue.
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| 6. |
- Aleksandrov, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
ВЛИЯНИЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ ЗА ДВИЖЕНИЕМ НА ВОССТАНОВЛЕНИЕ РАБОТОСПОСОБНОСТИ ПОСЛЕ ФИЗИЧЕСКОГО УТОМЛЕНИЯ [The influence of movement's observation on recuperation after physical fatigue]
- 2014
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Ingår i: Zurnal vyssej nervnoj deâtel'nosti im. I.P. Pavlova. - 0044-4677. ; 64:5, s. 481-487
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The study aim was to investigate effects of mental activity, accompanied by mu-rhythm depression, on recuperation after physical fatigue. In a study participants performed 11 one minute bouts of static hand grip intermitted by 2 minutes rest pauses. During pauses participants watched video with either dynamic hand grips (biological movements) or deformation of geometric figure (control). Obtained data showed there was a significant depression of mu-rhythm during biological movement's observation. There was significant fatigue of subjects in an exercise with physical activity, but there was no reliable influence of performed mental activity on recovery after fatigue.
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| 7. |
- Bergfors, M, et al.
(författare)
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Short-term effects of repetitive arm work and dynamic exercise on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. - 0001-6772 .- 1365-201X. ; 183:4, s. 345-356
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To detennine whether repetitive ann work, with a large component of static muscle contraction alters glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Methad: Euglycemic clamps (2h) were started in ten healthy individuals 15 minutes after 37 minute periods of: 1) repetitive ann work in a simulated occupational setting; 2) dynamic concentric exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% OfVO2 max and 3) a resting regime as a control. During the experimental periods, blood samples were collected, blood pressure was measured repeatedly and electrocardiogram (ECG) wasrecorded continuously. During the clamps, euglycemia was maintained at 5 mmo1/l and insulin was infused at 56 mU/m2/min for 120 min. Results: The insulin-mediated glucose disposal rate (M-value) for the steady state period (60- 120 min) of the clamp, tended to be lower following ann work than for both cycling and resting regimes. When dividing the steady state period into 20-minute intervals, the insulin sensitivity index, (ISI) was significantly lower for ann work compared with the resting control situation between 60-80 minutes (p=0.04) and 80-100 minutes (p=0.01) respectively. Catecholamines increased significantly for ann work and cycling compared with resting regime. .Data from heart rate variability (HRV) me asurements indicated significant sympathetic activation during repetitive ann work test. Canelusian: The results indicate that repetitive ann work might acutely promote insulin resistance, whereas no such effect on insulin resistance was produced by dynamic concentric exercise.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Bosch, Tim, et al.
(författare)
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Temporal strategy and performance during a fatiguing short-cycle repetitive task
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 55, s. 863-873
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated temporal changes in movement strategy and performance during fatiguing short-cycle work. Eighteen participants performed six 7-minutes work blocks with repetitive reaching movements at 0.5 Hz, each followed by a 5.5-minute rest break for a total duration of one hour. Electromyography (EMG) was collected continuously from the upper trapezius muscle, the temporal movement strategy and timing errors were obtained on a cycle-to-cycle basis, and perceived fatigue was rated before and after each work block. Clear signs of fatigue according to subjective ratings and EMG manifestations developed within each work block, as well as during the entire hour. For most participants, timing errors gradually increased, as did the waiting time at the near target. Changes in temporal movement strategy were negatively correlated with changes in the level and variability of EMG, suggesting that an adaptive temporal strategy offset the development of unstable motor solutions in this fatiguing, short-cycle work
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Crenshaw, Albert G., et al.
(författare)
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Applying near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess muscular oxygenation during computer mouse use
- 2007
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Ingår i: Sixth International Scientific Conference on Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. ; , s. 253-
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Chronic trapezius myalgia was shown to be associated with a reduction in microcirculation (via direct measurements of bloodflow). In line with this, morphological data have indicated disturbances in oxidative metabolism. Therefore, data obtained on the muscle oxygenation status could help provide insight into the pathomechanisms behind work related muscle pain. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for the noninvasive monitoring of continuous changes in skeletal muscle oxygenation (representing the dynamic balance between oxygen delivery and consumption), and for subsequent determinations of changes in blood volume.
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| 12. |
- Crenshaw, Albert G., et al.
(författare)
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Impact of time pressure and pauses on physiological responses to standardized computer mouse use : a review of three papers with focusing on mechanisms behind computer-related disorders
- 2007
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; :3, s. 68-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper reviews three computer mouse studies in our laboratory where our emphasis was on mechanisms behind computer related disorders. Our approach was sequentially (i) to determine validity of a laboratory model of computer mouse use (painting rectangles) for studying musculoskeletal disorders; to use this model (ii) to study time pressure and precision demands on position sense and muscular oxygenation; and (iii) to determine the effect of pauses (active vs passive) on these parameters. (i) Kinematic data for the painting model showed constrained movements of the wrist similar to CAD work; a support for its validity for a real life situation. (ii) Changes in forearm oxygenation were associated with time pressure and precision demands; a potential for insight into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. (iii) Increasing trends in oxygenation and blood volume were associated with pauses, especially active; possible explanation for the alleviating effect of discomfort experienced in real life situations when a pause is implemented.
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| 13. |
- Crenshaw, Albert G, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of time pressure and pauses on physiological responses to standardized computer mouse use : a review of three papers focusing on mechanisms behind computer-related disorders
- 2007
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - Helsinki : Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; :Suppl 3, s. 68-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper reviews three computer mouse studies in our laboratory in which our emphasis was on mechanisms behind computer-related disorders. Our approach was sequentially (i) to determine the validity of a laboratory model for computer mouse use (painting rectangles) for studying musculoskeletal disorders, (ii) to use this model to study time pressure and precision demands on position sense and muscular oxygenation, and (iii) to use this model to determine the effect of pauses (active versus passive) on these parameters. Kinematic data for the painting model showed constrained movements of the wrist similar to that of CAD (computer-aided design) work, a support for its validity for a real-life situation. Changes in forearm oxygenation were associated with time pressure and precision demands, a potential for insight into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Increasing trends in oxygenation and blood volume were associated with pauses, especially active pauses, a possible explanation for the alleviating effect of discomfort experienced in real-life situations when a pause is implemented.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Crenshaw, Albert G., et al.
(författare)
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Reduced muscular oxygenation during computer mouse use with time pressure and precision demands
- 2004
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Ingår i: Conference proceedings at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 51st Annual Meeting. ; 35:5, s. S221-S222
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Monitoring oxidative metabolic states may provide information on the mechanism behind computer use related musculoskeletal disorders. PURPOSE: To compare tissue oxygen saturation (Sat-O2) profiles in the forearm extensor carpi radialis (ECR) during computer mouse use with and without time pressure and precision demands. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy, right-handed subjects (12 females, 12 males; age 19-28 years) participated in the study. Subjects performed a 45-min mouse operated computer task on two occasions, separated by 3-5 days. The task consisted of painting squares that were presented on the screen. On one occasion, time pressure and precision demands were imposed by limiting the time available for painting a square and introducing a scoring system based on precision of painting (STRESS). On the other occasion, no such restraints were added (NON-STRESS). The order of the two task versions was randomized. During the task, Sat-O2 in the right ECR muscle was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy – NIRS (Inspectra, Hutchinson Technology). In addition, subjective ratings of tenseness and strain, and painting performance measures were recorded. RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant decline in Sat-O2 during the STRESS condition (p < 0.05), but no change for the NON-STRESS condition. A gender difference was apparent as females exhibited an overall lower Sat-O2 than males (p < 0.05); however, no interaction was found. Subjects’ ratings of tenseness and strain were significantly higher during the STRESS as compared to the NON-STRESS condition (p < 0.001). These data were paralleled by work pace (i.e. squares painted during STRESS = 119; NON-STRESS = 84, p < 0.001). Furthermore, accuracy of painting was greater for the STRESS as compared to the NON-STRESS condition (p < 0.01), i.e., number of times outside the square, STRESS = 2, NON-STRESS = 4. No gender differences in subjective ratings or performance variables were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of a change in local metabolic states under stressful conditions may shed light on the mechanism behind computer mouse related forearm muscular disorders. Furthermore, that females demonstrate a lower ECR Sat-O2 could give precedence to their higher incidence of disorders than males.
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| 16. |
- Dahlgren, Gunilla, et al.
(författare)
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Local oxygen saturation during computer work in patients with computer related disorders from the upper extremity : a pilot study
- 2003
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Ingår i: Conference proceeding at the 49th NAM conference (Nordiska Arbetsmiljömötet).
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionAlong with increasing number of computer users in work organizations, upper extremity complaints become more and more common. Research has shown that increased exposure to repetitive keyboard and mouse use increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. However, the physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Pathological processes as the rate of the metabolism (energy crisis) can be conceivable as a cause of the symptoms and disability related to intensive computer work 1 . To date, there are no studies made upon local tissue oxygen (O2) saturation during computer work in patients suffering from computer related disorders in the upper extremity. In the present study, we examined local tissue oxygen (O2) saturation in m. trapezius and m. extensor carpi radialis brevis before and during mouse operated computer work in patients suffering from computer related disorders, and looked at relations between oxygen saturation, subjective ratings of pain, symptoms and disability.Material and methodFour right dominant female patient subjects (PS) aged 27 to 46 recruited through the company health care participated in the study. Their mean height was 166 cm and weight of three PS 55.8 kg (130 kg for the fourth PS). They had one or several diagnoses each, comprising of neck myalgia, diffuse forearm pain and lateral epicondylitis. All of them worked full-time and used computer with keyboard and mouse or mousetrapper device. Three PS used the computer for 7-8 hours per workday. The PS related their disorder to intensive computer work for long hours and high precision demands.Skin fold thickness was measured with a caliper at m. trapezius (TRAP) and m. extensor carpi radialis (ECRB) on the right side, and ranged from 2-6 mm. The mean skin temperature was 32.2° during rest and 32.7° following work on the ECRB (there was one missing post-value due to technical problems). The local tissue oxygen saturation was measured non-invasively with near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS (Inspectra, Hutchinson Technology). One NIRS-electrode was placed at TRAP and the other on ECRB, both on the right side. After five minutes of rest, the PS performed a mouse operated computer task for 45 minutes with their right hand. The task consisted of painting squares presented on the screen, by using the mouse. Measurements of oxygen saturation were made throughout the computer work. Furthermore, subjective ratings of tiredness and strain were recorded on a 10 cm long VAS-scale. Symptoms and disability of the hand, arm and shoulder was rated with the DASH questionnaire, which contains the areas activities of daily living (ADL) and work 3. Descriptive statistics of the oxygen saturation comprised average and standard deviation of StO2 values in %. Comparison of the local tissue oxygen was made with the subjective ratings.Results and discussionTable 1. Local tissue oxygen (during 5 minutes rest and 45 minutes of computer work) and subjective ratings in PS.The mean saturation value for ECRB during rest was 52.6 (SD 20.2), work 46.7 (SD 14.7), and for TRAP during rest 58.8 (SD 21.2) and work 61.2 (SD 21.7). Skin fold thickness and skin temperature did not show any obvious interaction with the tissue oxygen values. Neither did comparisons of PS´s subjective ratings of tiredness and strain, symptoms, disability and the oxygen saturation, or severity of ratings and oxygen saturation. This might be due to the small amount of subjects and/or that the subjective ratings were not sensitive enough or do not fully reflect the state of art of computer related disorders from the upper extremity. One of the PS in our study reported intense delayed onset of pain 24 hours after the computer work. It is important to be aware that this can occur. The group of PS in this study had lower mean tissue oxygen saturation than healthy female subjects in another study that used the same device and performed an identical mouse operated computer task2. More research is needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms behind upper extremity disorders and the extent to which local tissue oxygen saturation reflects their symptoms and disability.References1. Boushel, R.; H., L.; Olesen, J.; Gonzales-Alonzo, J.; Bulow, J.; and Kjaer, M.: Monitoring tissue oxygen availability with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in health and disease. Scand J Med Sci Sports, 11: 213-22, 2001.2. Heiden, M.; Dahlgren, G.; Lyskov, E.; Crenshaw, A.; and Johansson, H.: Effects of time pressure and precision demands during computer mouse work on muscle oxygenation and position sense. In Nordiska arbetsmiljömötet. Edited, Nyslott, Finland, 2003.3. http://iwh.on.ca/dash.html.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Evstigneeva, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Concurrent cognitive task may improve motor work performance and reduce muscle fatigue
- 2012
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Ingår i: Work. - : IOS Press. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 41:Suppl. 1, s. 2893-2896
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Performance of certain cognitive tasks either during physical load or in rest pauses between boosts might lead to slowing of muscle fatigue and fatigue related decline in performance. Seventeen right-handed healthy volunteers (age 24±1.4, 8 males) participated in this study, aiming to investigate the effect of the level of the cognitive information processing – 1) passive perception of audio stimuli, 2) active stimuli discrimination, 3) active stimuli discrimination following motor response - on motor task performance (handgrip test 30% and 7% of MVC) and muscle fatigue development. Cognitive tasks show the following effects on motor work: i) Perceived fatigue during 30 % MVC (fatiguing) condition developed slower if participant pressed button in response to deviant acoustic stimuli, as compared to passive listening. Counting task, an active task without motor component, took the intermediate position and did not differ significantly from two other cognitive tasks. ii) MVC after 30% MVC (fatiguing) condition tended to decrease stronger when accompanied with passive listening in comparison with both active tasks. iii) Motor task performance during 30% MVC (fatiguing) condition was better for active cognitive task with motor component than for passive task. Active task without motor component took the intermediate position and did not differ significantly from both the other cognitive tasks.
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| 19. |
- Evstigneeva, Maria D., et al.
(författare)
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Muscle contraction force and fatigue : Effects on mismatch negativity
- 2010
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Ingår i: NeuroReport. - 0959-4965 .- 1473-558X. ; 21:18, s. 1152-1156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Muscle load can affect performance of concurrent cognitive task. This effect is often explained by limited resources in the voluntary attention system. To examine whether earlier stages of cognitive information processing might be affected, we recorded the Mismatch Negativity component (MMN) of the auditory event-related brain potential before, during and after sustained handgrip at 7% and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. MMN is an index of automatic detection of a deviating auditory event. MMN was not affected by force level. However, its amplitude at fronto-central sites decreased during the fatiguing 30% contraction, while it tended to increase during the light 7% work. Thus, muscle fatigue may affect auditory information processing at preattentive and preconscious stages, which could modify cognitive performance
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Flodgren, G, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of a laboratory model of computer mouse use : applications for studying risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders
- 2007
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 38:2, s. 213-218
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the present study, we assessed the wrist kinetics (range of motion, mean position, velocity and mean power frequency in radial/ulnar deviation, flexion/extension, and pronation/supination) associated with performing a mouse-operated computerized task involving painting rectangles on a computer screen. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of the painting task on subjective perception of fatigue and wrist position sense. The results showed that the painting task required constrained wrist movements, and repetitive movements of about the same magnitude as those performed in mouse-operated design tasks. In addition, the painting task induced a perception of muscle fatigue in the upper extremity (Borg CR-scale: 3.5, p<0.001) and caused a reduction in the position sense accuracy of the wrist (error before: 4.6 degrees , error after: 5.6 degrees , p<0.05). This standardized painting task appears suitable for studying relevant risk factors, and therefore it offers a potential for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms behind musculoskeletal disorders related to computer mouse use.
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| 25. |
- Garkavenko, V V, et al.
(författare)
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Change in the Power of EEG Activity in the a Range in Response to Tonic Nociceptive Stimulation of the Distal Joint of the Little Finger
- 2005
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Ingår i: Human Physiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0362-1197 .- 1608-3164. ; 31:2, s. 188-94
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Examination of 12 healthy volunteers aged 20–56 years was performed to study the EEG changes caused by a tonic squeeze of the distal joint of the little finger of the left and then the right hand. This stimulation caused painful sensations of different intensity (pain on the right was stronger). Spectral power was measured in the alfa1 (8–10.5 Hz) and alfa2 ranges (10.5–13 Hz) under different conditions. Weak pain led to an increase in the power of the alfa1 and alfa2 ranges in the occipital regions. With strong pain, the power of alfa1 waves increased bilaterally in the posterior regions (O1,O2,T6), as well as in the left frontal region (F3,F7). The powers of the alfa1and alfa2 ranges substantially increased relative to the background level after the strong nociceptive stimulation ceased. This finding testified to a latent and inertial character of its effect on the wave parameters.
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| 26. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-
(författare)
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Autonomic nervous system regulation in chronic neck-shoulder pain : Relations to physical activity and perceived stress
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Neck-shoulder pain (NSP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with unclear causes, and effective prevention and treatment require a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Aberrant autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation is a hypothesized causal element in the development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain.The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate possible differences in ANS regulation between chronic NSP and healthy control (CON) groups using both laboratory assessment and ambulatory monitoring in daily life.Four papers are included in this thesis, based on data from three groups with chronic NSP. Autonomic responses to laboratory stressors were assessed using heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, trapezius muscle activity and blood flow measurements (Study І) in NSP and CON. Long-term ambulatory monitoring of HRV, physical activity and perceived symptoms were assessed in Studies ІІ and IV to investigate group differences in real-life conditions. Finally, the effects of a ten-week intervention (using individually adjusted HRV biofeedback) to reinstating ANS balance in subjects with chronic NSP were evaluated using self-reported symptoms and health ratings, as well as autonomic regulation testing (i.e., evaluating HRV at rest and in response to stress) (Study ІІІ).The main findings from the four studies demonstrated aberrant ANS regulation in the NSP group compared to CON, which was predominantly characterized by diminished parasympathetic cardiac activity during rest and sleep, and altered sympathetic reactivity to laboratory stressors (Studies І, ІІ and IV). Different patterns in physical activity were observed between the NSP and CON groups, with reduced physical activity during leisure time in the NSP group (Studies ІІ and IV). Physical activity was found to be positively associated with HRV. Positive effects of HRV-biofeedback were found on perceived health, including social function, vitality and bodily pain, and improved HRV (Study ІІІ).In conclusion, imbalanced ANS regulation was demonstrated among persons with chronic NSP at both the systemic and local levels. Diminished parasympathetic activity in NSP was modulated by lower levels of physical activity in leisure time. Interventions targeting ANS functions might benefit persons with chronic NSP.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Changes in physical activity and heart rate variability in chronic neck-shoulder pain : monitoring during work and leisure time
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 87:7, s. 735-744
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Neck-shoulder pain (NSP) is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder with unclear mechanisms. Changes in physical activity and autonomic nervous system regulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic NSP. The aim of the current study was to investigate autonomic regulation in relation to physical activity and perceived symptoms during work and leisure time among workers with chronic NSP (n = 29) as compared to a healthy control group (CON, n = 27).METHODS: Physical activity was objectively monitored for 7 days using accelerometry. Beat-to-beat heart rate was collected continuously for 72 h, with simultaneous momentary ratings of pain, stress, and fatigue. Duration of sitting/lying, standing and walking, number of steps, and energy expenditure were used as measures of physical activity. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were extracted in time and frequency domains as reflecting autonomic regulation. Data were divided into work hours, leisure time, and sleep.RESULTS: The NSP group rated higher levels of stress and fatigue at work and leisure, and reduced sleep quality as compared to CON. Elevated heart rate and reduced HRV were found in NSP compared with CON, especially during sleep. The NSP group demonstrated a different pattern of physical activity than CON, with a lower activity level in leisure time. Higher physical activity was associated with increased HRV in both groups.CONCLUSION: Changes in HRV reflected an autonomic imbalance in workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This can be explained by reduced physical activity in leisure time. Intervention studies aimed at increasing physical activity may shed further light on the association between autonomic regulation and physical activity in work-related NSP.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of static contraction and cold stimulation on cardiovascular autonomic indices, trapezius blood flow and muscle activity in chronic neck-shoulder pain
- 2011
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Ingår i: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 111:8, s. 1725-1735
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to investigate reactions in trapezius muscle blood flow (MBF), muscle activity, heart rate variability (HRV) and systemic blood pressure (BP) to autonomic tests in subjects with chronic neck-shoulder pain and healthy controls. Changes in muscle activity and blood flow due to stress and unfavourable muscle loads are known underlying factors of work-related muscle pain. Aberration of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is considered a possible mechanism. In the present study, participants (n = 23 Pain, n = 22 Control) performed autonomic tests which included a resting condition, static hand grip test (HGT) at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, a cold pressor test (CPT) and a deep breathing test (DBT). HRV was analysed in time and frequency domains. MBF and muscle activity were recorded from the upper trapezius muscles using photoplethysmography and electromyography (EMG). The pain group showed reduced low frequency-HRV (LF) and SDNN during rest, as well as a blunted BP response and increased LF-HRV during HGT (a dagger systolic 22 mm Hg; a dagger LF(nu) 27%) compared with controls (a dagger systolic 27; a dagger LF(nu) 6%). Locally, the pain group had attenuated trapezius MBF in response to HGT (Pain 122% Control 140%) with elevated trapezius EMG following HGT and during CPT. In conclusion, only HGT showed differences between groups in systemic BP and HRV and alterations in local trapezius MBF and EMG in the pain group. Findings support the hypothesis of ANS involvement at systemic and local levels in chronic neck-shoulder pain.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Hallman, David M., et al.
(författare)
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Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Subjects with Stress-Related Chronic Neck Pain : A Pilot Study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1090-0586 .- 1573-3270. ; 36:2, s. 71-80
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recent studies focusing on autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions, together with theoretical pathophysiological models of musculoskeletal disorders, indicate the involvement of ANS regulation in development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback (BF) in increasing HRV and reducing the symptoms of different disorders characterized by ANS aberration. The study investigated the effects of resonance frequency HRV BF on autonomic regulation and perceived health, pain, stress and disability in 24 subjects with stress-related chronic neck-shoulder pain. Twelve subjects participated in 10 weekly sessions of resonant HRV BF and were compared to a control group. Subjective reports and HRV measures during relaxation and in response to a standardized stress protocol were assessed for both groups pre- and post-intervention. Group × time interactions revealed a significantly stronger increase over time in perceived health (SF-36) for the treatment group, including vitality, bodily pain and social functioning. Interactions were also seen for HRV during relaxation and reactivity to stress. The present pilot study indicates improvement in perceived health over a 10 week intervention with HRV-biofeedback in subjects with chronic neck-pain. Increased resting HRV as well as enhanced reactivity to hand grip and cold pressor tests might reflect beneficial effects on ANS regulation, and suggest that this intervention protocol is suitable for a larger controlled trial.
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| 34. |
- Hallman, David M., 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term monitoring of physical behavior reveals different cardiac responses to physical activity among subjects with and without chronic neck pain
- 2015
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Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background We determined the extent to which heart rate variability (HRV) responses to daily physical activity differ between subjects with and without chronic neck pain. Method Twenty-nine subjects (13 women) with chronic neck pain and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated. Physical activity (accelerometry), HRV (heart rate monitor) and spatial location (Global Positioning System (GPS)) were recorded for 74 hours. GPS data were combined with a diary to identify periods of work, and of leisure at home and elsewhere. Time- and frequency-domain HRV indices were calculated, and stratified by period and activity type (lying/sitting, standing, or walking). ANCOVAs with multiple adjustments were used to disclose possible group differences in HRV. Results The pain group showed a reduced HRV response to physical activity compared with controls (p=.001), according to the sympathetic-baroreceptor HRV index (LF/HF, ratio between low and high frequency power), even after adjustment for leisure time physical activity, work stress, sleep quality, mental health, and aerobic capacity (p=.02). The parasympathetic response to physical activity did not differ between groups.Conclusions Relying on long-term monitoring of physical behavior and heart rate variability, we found an aberrant sympathetic-baroreceptor response to daily physical activity among subjects with chronic neck pain.
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| 35. |
- Hallman, David, et al.
(författare)
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Monitoring of autonomic regulation and physical activity in workers with musculoskeletal pain
- 2013
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purposes Neck-shoulder pain (NSP) is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder (1). The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a potential element in the pathogenesis of regional muscle pain (2). Altered cardiovascular regulation has been observed in chronic NSP at rest and in response to stressors (3, 4). Importantly, the ANS control of the cardiovascular system is strongly influenced by daily physical activity. Thus, the observed aberrations in ANS regulation in chronic NSP may be due to pain-related changes in daily physical activity. The present study aimed at investigating ANS regulation and physical activity in workers with chronic NSP (N = 29) and symptom-free controls (N = 27) during work and leisure time. Methods Ambulatory monitoring of physical activity (seven days) and ANS cardiac activity (72-hours) were performed using accelerometry and electrocardiography, respectively. Time walking, sitting/lying and standing, as well as number of steps were calculated for each hour and averaged for work and leisure time. Heart rate variability indices were calculated in both time and frequency domains, and averaged over work, leisure time and sleep. ResultsThe results indicated a reduced level of leisure time physical activity in NSP compared to controls (p<0.05), while no differences were observed for sedentary time. NSP demonstrated diminished HRV during sleep (p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between leisure time physical activity and HRV during sleep (p<0.05). ConclusionsReduced leisure time physical activity and diminished nocturnal HRV were seen in persons with chronic muscle pain. Correlations between leisure time physical activity and HRV may indicate that ANS regulation was partly modulated by physical activity in leisure time
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Physical activity patterns in workers with neck pain assessed using accelerometry and GPS
- 2014
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Decreased physical activity levels have been found among subjects with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Still, little is known about the distribution of physical activity and sedentary behavior over a work day, and whether these patterns differ between work and leisure time. Our aim was to characterize and compare physical activity patterns at work and leisure time (spent at home or elsewhere) among office workers with MSD and asymptomatic controls.Methods:Seventeen office workers (11f, 6m; mean age 41(SD=11) years) with neck-shoulder pain, and 17 age- and gender-matched asymptomatic office workers participated. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were monitored continuously for seven days using a single tri-axial accelerometer (ActivPAL). During four consecutive work-days within this period, data from a geographical positioning system (GPS) detector installed on a smartphone was combined with a written diary to identify the location (work place, leisure "at home" and "elsewhere") of the participants. Differences between groups in mean physical activity levels (excluding sleep) stratified by location were analysed with ANOVA. Physical activity patterns were expressed using Exposure Variation Analysis (EVA), showing the percentage of time spent in periods of different durations (<1min, 1-5min, 5-10min, 10-30min, 30-60min, >60min) of sitting/lying, standing, and walking.Results:In both groups, the lowest activity levels were found at work. Leisure "elsewhere" showed less %time in long bouts (>30min) of sitting/lying and more %time in walking (5-10 and 10-30 min bouts) compared with "home". Workers with pain did not increase their leisure activity level "elsewhere" compared with "home" to the same extent as controls, which was mainly reflected in a larger %time in prolonged periods (>30 min) of sitting/lying among those with pain.Conclusion:The combination of accelerometry and GPS allowed a detailed characterization of physical activity patterns stratified by location among office workers. Some differences were found between workers with and without MSD, which need further investigation as to their effects on health and well-being.
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| 39. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Seven Days Activity Monitoring in Workers with Musculoskeletal Pain : Daily Patterns, Associations with Symptoms
- 2013
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal pain is highly common among the working population. It has been assumed that chronic pain may reduce the activity level in daily life, which in turn may aggravate pain and associated symptoms. However, it is not known whether pain impacts on daily activities among workers. Commonly accepted and validated protocols are needed to gain objective information about possible deviations in physical activity patterns in subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain. PURPOSE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the volume and time-pattern of daily physical activity in workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-seven workers with chronic muscle pain primarily in the neck-shoulder region, and 27 age- and gender- matched controls participated in the study. Both groups were recruited from the same global manufacturing company within the industrial sector at a site in Sweden. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were monitored for seven days, both during work and leisure time, using a single tri-axial accelerometer (PAL Technologies Ltd, Glasgow). Time spent walking, standing and sitting/lying and steps were calculated for each hour. The mean metabolic equivalent (MET) was estimated and used as a measure of energy expenditure. The coefficient of variation (CV) between daytime hours was calculated as a measure of variation. RESULTS: For overall daily activity, the mean standing time was significantly higher in the pain group (263 min/day) compared with controls (209 min/day) (p=0.04), whereas no difference was found in energy expenditure or sedentary time. The analyses of time patterns revealed lower energy expenditure in the evening and morning hours among those with pain (mean 1.6 MET/h) compared with the control group (mean 1.8 MET/h) (p<0.05). The pain group showed on average a smaller CV in MET (9%) than the control group (11%) (p=0.02), which indicated a reduced variation in physical activity. There were no significant associations between pain intensity and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Despite a normal level of total physical activity, workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain had an altered activity pattern in terms of reduced variation and a lower activity level in leisure time.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Heiden, Marina, et al.
(författare)
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Autonomic activity, pain, and perceived health in patients on sick leave due to stress-related illnesses
- 2005
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Ingår i: Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science. - 1053-881X .- 2168-7846. ; 40:1, s. 3-16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare autonomic activity, pressure-pain thresholds, and subjective assessments of health and behavior between patients with stress-related illnesses and healthy control subjects. Methods: Twenty sick-listed patients with stress-related disorders and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects performed tests of autonomic regulation and algometric tests, and completed questionnaires about physical and mental health and behavioral patterns. Results: Patients exhibited higher autonomic reactivity to cognitive and physical laboratory tasks (p<0.05), and had lower pressure-pain thresholds in the shoulders and lower back than healthy control subjects (p<0.05). Furthermore, the patients rated considerably poorer health and health behavior than the control subjects (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate an engagement of the autonomic nervous system in stress-related illnesses. Furthermore, they show that patients with stress-related illnesses experience strong symptoms of musculoskeletal pain, and it is therefore recommended that assessments of musculoskeletal pain be incorporated in the clinical examinations and the rehabilitation of patients with stress-related illnesses.
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| 43. |
- Heiden, Marina, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of time pressure and precision demands during computer mouse work on muscle oxygenation and position sense
- 2003
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Ingår i: Conference proceeding at the 49th NAM conference (Nordiska Arbetsmiljömötet).
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionAs the number of employees involved in computer work increases, neck and upper extremity complaints grow more common. Tight deadlines lead to high time pressure, which, in combination with precision demands, may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The physiological manifestation of such demands, however, is not entirely clear. In the present study, we examined local tissue oxygen saturation in the upper extremity as well as subjective stress responses during computer mouse work with and without time pressure and precision demands, and investigated whether these working situations have different effects on wrist position sense.Material and methodsTwenty-four healthy, right-handed subjects (12 females, 12 males; age 19-28 years) participated in the study. Except for one subject who reported using a computer for 480 minutes per day, their average daily computer use was 84 minutes (SD 65 minutes). Subjects performed a 45-min mouse operated computer task on two occasions, separated by 3-5 days. The task consisted of painting squares that were presented on the screen. On one occasion, time pressure and precision demands were imposed on the task by limiting the time available for painting a square and introducing a scoring system based on precision of painting. On the other occasion, no such restraints were added. The order of the two task versions was randomized. During the task, tissue oxygen saturation in trapezius and extensor carpi radialis on the right arm was measured non-invasively by near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS (Inspectra, Hutchinson Technology). In addition, subjective ratings of tenseness and strain, painting performance measures, and skin temperature were recorded. The position matching ability of the wrist was measured before and after the computer task. In the position matching tests, subjects attempted to actively reproduce target positions of horizontal movements about the right wrist joint. From a starting position of 30° of extension, target positions were randomized between 0° and 30° of flexion. The absolute value of the difference between presented target and reproduced position (AE) was used as outcome measure. Skin fold thickness at the locations of the NIRS electrodes was measured with a caliper at the beginning of the experiment.Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to test for differences in oxygen saturation throughout the task, and for testing differences in position sense, as estimated by position matching ability, before and after the task. Subjective ratings during the task were analyzed by Wilcoxon’s non-parametric tests. Remaining parameters were tested for differences by t-tests or Wilcoxon’s non-parametric tests, depending on distribution of data. In all tests, p<0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA significant decline in oxygen saturation during mouse work under time pressure and precision demands was seen for extensor carpi radialis (F=4.68, p=0.036). This pattern was not present when mouse work was performed under more relaxed conditions. For trapezius, no difference in oxygen saturation between task versions was seen (F=0.01, p=0.932), although a general increase in saturation during work was found (F=10.35, p=0.002). Gender differences were apparent for extensor carpi radialis as well as for trapezius. Females showed an overall lower oxygen saturation in extensor carpi radialis than men (F=4.81, p=0.034). Furthermore, they showed a significantly different trend in trapezius oxygen saturation during work than men (F=6.27, p=0.016). Somewhat surprisingly, these gender differences could not be explained by differences in skin fold thickness at electrode positions (extensor carpi radialis: t=0.77, p=0.449; trapezius: t= 1.34, p=0.193). Subjects’ mean skin temperature changes during work was +0.41°C (SD 0.83°C).AE measured before the computer task did not significantly differ between occasions (paired t-test: t=0.08, p=0.940), indicating that the time period between occasions was long enough for effects of work to wash out. A significant increase in AE was seen following the task (F=15.59, p<0.001), irrespective of task version (F<0.01, p=0.968). No gender differences in AE were found (F=0.08, p=0.774). Subjects’ ratings of tenseness and strain were significantly higher during work under time pressure and precision demands (Wilcoxon’s signed-ranks test: Z>3.41, p<0.001), compared to work without such demands. This is in agreement with the fact that subjects increased their work pace (squares painted in work with demands: 119, without demands: 84, paired t-test: t=8.38, p<0.001), and made an effort to paint as accurate and precise as possible (no. of times outside the square in work with demands: 2, without demands: 4, paired t-test: t=3.68, p=0.001) during the more demanding task version. No gender differences in subjective ratings (Mann-Whitney U-test: Z<2.14, ns) or performance variables (t-test: t<1.71, ns) were found.DiscussionSubjects’ showed diminished oxygen saturation in extensor carpi radialis when working under time pressure and precision demands. This could be attributed to an increased mental load and/or a higher work intensity associated with this working situation. In support of this, subjective ratings of tenseness and strain scored higher during the more demanding task. It was also shown that subjects painted squares at a higher rate during the task. The fact that no differences in trapezius oxygen saturation between task versions was found might suggest that the physical strain associated with the work, being more prominent in extensor carpi radialis, could be a major contributor to oxygen saturation changes. Subjects’ tenseness ratings, however, would argue against it. Position sense, although poorer following work, was not affected by work type. One may speculate that physiological mechanisms involved in our measurement of position sense are not affected by local tissue oxygen saturation in extensor carpi radialis. The present data show considerable gender differences in oxygen saturation during rest as well as computer mouse work, that does not seem to be caused by skin fold thickness or painting performance.
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| 44. |
- Heiden, Marina, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of time pressure and precision demands during computer mouse work on muscle oxygenation and position sense.
- 2005
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Ingår i: European journal of applied physiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 94:1-2, s. 97-106
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study investigated the effects of time pressure and precision demands during computer mouse work on muscle oxygenation and position sense in the upper extremity. Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 males and 12 females) performed a 45-min standardized mouse operated computer task on two occasions. The task consisted of painting rectangles that were presented on the screen. On one occasion, time pressure and precision demands were imposed (more demanding task, MDT) whereas, on the other occasion, no such restraints were added (less demanding task, LDT). The order of the two task versions was randomized. Tissue oxygen saturation in the trapezius and extensor carpi radialis muscles was recorded throughout, and the position matching ability of the wrist was measured before and after the tasks. In addition, measurements of autonomic nervous system reactivity and subjective ratings of tenseness and physical fatigue were obtained. Performance was measured in terms of the number of rectangles that were painted during the task. During MDT, oxygen saturation in extensor carpi radialis decreased (p<0.05) compared to LDT. These data were paralleled by increased electrodermal activity (p<0.05), skin blood flow (p<0.05), ratings of tenseness and fatigue (p<0.01), and increased performance (p<0.01) during MDT. Females exhibited lower oxygen saturation than males, during rest as well as during the computer tasks (p<0.01). Wrist repositioning error increased following LDT as compared to MDT (p<0.05). In conclusion, computer mouse work under time pressure and precision demands caused a decrease in forearm muscle oxygenation, but did not affect wrist position sense accuracy. We attribute our changes in oxygenation more to increased oxygen consumption as a result of enhanced performance, than to vasoconstriction.
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| 45. |
- Heiden, Marina, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Group Treatment and Physical Activity for People with Stress-related Illnesses
- 2005
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Ingår i: Second ICOH International Conference on Psychosocial Factors at Work.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral group treatment and physical activity for patients with stress-related illnesses. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups, so that each group contained twenty patients. Group A received cognitive behavioral group treatment, group B participated in physical activity, and group C constituted a control group thus receiving no treatment during the course of the study. Measurements of autonomic activity, pain sensitivity, and subjective health assessments were performed before and after a 10-week intervention period, consisting of two gatherings per week for the cognitive behavioral treatment group, and two exercise sessions per week for the physical activity group. Each of the two treatment groups assembled at 1.5, 3, and 6 months after the intervention, and follow-up measurements on all participants were performed at 6 and 12 months after the intervention. For comparison, measurements were performed at one occasion on healthy subjects of the same age and gender distribution as the patients. Patients exhibited higher autonomic reactivity to cognitive and physical laboratory tasks (p<0.05), had lower pressure-pain thresholds in the shoulders and lower back (p<0.05), and rated poorer health than healthy subjects (p<0.01). No overall effect of cognitive behavioral group treatment or physical activity was found on autonomic activity (p>0.06) or pressure-pain thresholds (p>0.71), although patients who received cognitive behavioral group treatment reported improved health (p<0.05). The results suggest little difference in effect of cognitive behavioral group treatment and physical activity on patients with stress-related illnesses
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| 46. |
- Heiden, Marina, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of cognitive behavioural training and physical activity for patients with stress-related illnesses : a randomized controlled study
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - : Medical Journals Sweden AB. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081 .- 0001-5555. ; 39:5, s. 366-373
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a cognitive behavioural training programme and a physical activity programme for patients with stress-related illnesses. DESIGN: In a randomized controlled study, patients were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups, where group 1 participated in a cognitive behavioural training programme, group 2 participated in a physical activity programme, and group 3, the control group, was offered usual care for the course of the study. SUBJECTS: A total of 75 patients participated in the study. They had been on sick leave for at least 50% of the time for between 1 month and 2 years due to stress-related illnesses. METHODS: Measurements of autonomic activity, pressure-pain thresholds and subjective ratings of health and behaviour were made before and after a 10-week intervention period, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Minor differences in autonomic activity and pressure-pain thresholds were found between the groups immediately after the intervention. At the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments, the differences were no longer present. Patients in the cognitive behavioural training group improved their ratings of general health compared with the physical activity group throughout the study. CONCLUSION: The study showed little difference in the effect of cognitive behavioural training and physical activity, compared with usual care, for patients with stress-related illnesses.
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| 47. |
- Heiden, Marina
(författare)
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Psychophysiological reactions to experimental stress : relations to pain sensitivity, position sense and stress perception
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Stress and monotonous work contribute substantially to the development of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the process, particularly the involvement of autonomic regulation, remain unclear. It has been suggested that altered motor control resulting from distorted sensory information from fatigued muscles may be an important component in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Animal studies have shown that sympathetic nervous system activation exerts actions in skeletal muscles, such as vasoconstriction and modulation of afferent information from muscle spindles. However, few attempts have been made to address this issue in humans. Therefore, the first aim of the thesis was to investigate the impact of repetitive computer work with and without additional stressors on muscle oxygenation and position sense in the upper extremity. Assuming an important role of stress in the development of chronic musculoskeletal symptoms, one may expect open or latent manifestations of such symptoms in patients with non-specific stress-related illnesses. It is possible that sympathetic activation may influence pain perception, and that treatments aimed at reducing stress may also affect the pain experience. Thus, the second aim of the thesis was to evaluate the effects of a cognitive-behavioral training program and a physical activity program for patients with stress-related illnesses on autonomic reactivity, pain, and perceived health. First, a laboratory model of computer mouse use was characterized in terms of biomechanical exposure of the wrist, and wrist position sense was determined before and after 45 minutes of continuous mouse use. Then, the effects of performing the computer mouse work under time pressure and precision demands were determined. Autonomic activity and muscle oxygenation in the upper extremity were measured during the work, and wrist position sense was assessed before and after the work. When patients with stress-related illnesses were compared to healthy individuals in autonomic reactivity to functional tests, pressure-pain thresholds, and ratings of health, indications of a relation between autonomic reactivity and symptoms of pain was found. Hence, in a subsequent evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral training program and a physical activity program for patients with stress-related illnesses, post intervention effects on autonomic reactivity to functional tests, pressure-pain thresholds, ratings of health and return-to-work were studied during a period of 12 months after the intervention. The main findings were the following. 1) Wrist kinetics data obtained during the computer mouse work showed similarities to previously presented data for mouse-operated design tasks. 2) When time pressure and precision demands were added to the computer work, increased autonomic activity paralleled with decreased muscle oxygenation in the upper extremity was found. Wrist position sense accuracy, however, did not decrease after the work as it did when the work was performed without the additional demands. The result is intriguing, as it does not appear to be in concordance with previous animal studies. 3) Patients with stress-related illnesses showed higher autonomic reactivity to cognitive and physical laboratory tests than healthy control subjects. They also had substantially lower pressure-pain thresholds in the back, and rated poorer health and health-related behavior than the control subjects. 4) We found little difference in effect of cognitive-behavioral training and physical activity, compared to usual care, for patients with stress-related illnesses. Patients in the control group showed an improvement of about the same magnitude as in the treatment groups over the 12-month follow-up period. The present findings indicate a non-additive relation between autonomic activity during repetitive work and position sense inaccuracy. Furthermore, patients with stress-related illnesses often reported pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This was associated with lower pressure-pain thresholds in the back and a modest increase in sympathetic reactivity to physical and mental tests, which might suggest a potential use of these methods in the clinical examination and rehabilitation of patients with stress-related illnesses.
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| 48. |
- Jahncke, Helena, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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A cross-sectional study of alternations between physical and mental tasks
- 2016
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Health and well-being at work is generally assumed to be associated with sufficient physical and mental variation. Job rotation, where workers typically alternate between different physical tasks, is a popular initiative. Controlled experiments suggest that favourable effects are associated with alternations between mental and physical tasks, but little is known about this intervention in real work. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the occurrence of alternations between mental and physical tasks, and (2) to identify key determinants of such alternations.Method. We developed a questionnaire combining established questions with specific questions about alternations. Workers from two occupations (industrial and non-industrial blue-collar work), in jobs containing both physical and mental tasks, were included in the study. 122 (55 females) out of 293 workers approached at four companies answered the questionnaire.Results. On average, the workers alternated 3.5 times per day between mental and physical tasks. In the non-industrial companies, workers reported wanting more alternations than they had, while desired and actual alternations did not differ in the industrial companies. This effect of occupation on the difference between the number of alternations wanted and the actual alternations available was significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a general preference for performing a physical task after a mental task, and vice versa. This main effect of primarily performed task type (i.e. either physical or mental) on preferred subsequent task type was significant (p < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, gender appeared to be a strong determinant of the occurrence of alternations, but the effect was absorbed when adding the occupation variable.Discussion. Within the studied companies, work offered alternations between mental and physical tasks and there was a preference among workers to alternate between tasks. Occupation rather than gender was a key determinant of the number of alternations reported.
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| 49. |
- Jahncke, Helena, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Variation at work : alternations between physically and mentally demanding tasks in blue-collar occupations
- 2017
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 60:9, s. 1218-1227
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aims of this questionnaire study were to describe the occurrence and desired number of alternations between mental and physical tasks in industrial and non-industrial blue-collar work, and determine to which extent selected personal and occupational factors influence these conditions. On average, the 122 participating workers (55 females) reported to have close to four alternations per day between mental and physical tasks, and to desire more alternations than they actually had. They also expressed a general preference for performing a physical task after a mental task and vice versa. In univariate regression models, the desired change in task alternations was significantly associated with Gender, Age, Occupation, Years with current work tasks, and Perceived job control, while Occupation was the only significant determinant in a multiple regression model including all factors. Our results suggest that alternations between productive physical and mental tasks could be a viable option in future job rotation.
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| 50. |
- Johansson, Elin, et al.
(författare)
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Compositional analysis of sedentary behavior and physical activity during work and leisure among male and female office workers
- 2019
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Objective: To determine the extent to which male and female office workers differ in their time-use composition of sitting behaviors (SB) and physical activity (PA) during work and leisure.Methods: SB and PA was measured using thigh-worn accelerometers for up to 8 full days in 77 male and 104 female office workers. Daily time-use compositions during work and leisure were described in four exhaustive categories, i.e. sitting in short (<30 min) and long (≥30 min) bouts, standing, and active behaviors. Following a compositional data analysis procedure, isometric log-ratios (ilr) were calculated to express time in sitting relative to non-sitting, short relative to long sitting bouts, and standing relative to active behaviors. Differences between sexes (men and women) and domains (work and leisure) were examined on the basis of these ilrs using ANOVA.Results: At work, time spent sitting in short bouts, long bouts, standing, and active was, on average, 34%, 36%, 22% and 8% among men and 31%, 37%, 24% and 8% among women. Corresponding proportions during leisure were 34%, 25%, 28% and 13% among men and 29%, 28%, 31% and 12% among women. Time spent sitting relative to non-sitting differed significantly between work and leisure (ilr sitting-vs-non-sitting, partial eta squared=0.09, p<0.01). During leisure, men used proportionally more time than women in short sitting bouts (ilr short-vs-long, partial eta squared=0.06, p<0.01) and spent more time in active behaviors relative to standing (ilr standing-vs-active, partial eta squared=0.04, p<0.01). No significant sex differences were observed during work (p>0.05).Conclusions: The leisure behavior observed among men is probably more beneficial for health than that observed for women. However, both men and women spent a major proportion of their time sitting, both at and outside their office work, and they were, in general, only little active. Thus, both men and women could benefit from interventions to reduce SB and increase PA both at work and during leisure.
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