Activity in neck-shoulder and lower arm muscles during computer and smartphone work

QC 20200123
Relevance to industry: There is emerging evidence of musculoskeletal problems related to smartphone work and a rapid transition to mobile workplaces, where smartphones are key working tools. Aim: The study's aim was to compare muscle activity during computer work with smartphone work and to see what possible effects ergonomic recommendations for smartphone usage have on muscle activity. Methods: Activity was measured bilaterally from the upper trapezius muscle and from lower arm muscles on the right hand side, on twelve participants with surface electromyography who performed e-mail work on the computer using ergonomic recommendations, smartphone in a self-chosen way of working and on smartphone with ergonomic recommendations. Effects on productivity was not assessed in this study. Results: Activity in m. trapezius and m. extensor digitorum was significantly higher during computer work (p < 0.05) than during the two smartphone usages and activity in m. interossei dorsalis 1 was, vice versa, significantly higher during smartphone work fp < 0.05). Comparison of smartphone in self-chosen way of working and smartphone with ergonomic recommendations showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Previous research has highlighted the benefits of variation of work postures. This paper indicates that replacing the computer with a smartphone gives the trapezius muscle an opportunity to rest.

Berglund, KarinCtr Occupat & Environm Med, Solnavagen 4, S-11365 Stockholm, Region Stockhol, Sweden. (författare)
Forsman, MikaelKarolinska Institutet,KTH,Ergonomi(Swepub:kth)u1iq0ct2 (författare)
Karolinska InstitutetCtr Occupat & Environm Med, Solnavagen 4, S-11365 Stockholm, Region Stockhol, Sweden. (creator_code:org_t)

Ingår i:International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics: ELSEVIER740169-81411872-8219

Om ämnet

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP: MEDICIN OCH HÄLS ...; och Hälsovetenskap; och Arbetsmedicin oc ...

Kungliga biblioteket hanterar dina personuppgifter i enlighet med EU:s dataskyddsförordning (2018), GDPR. Läs mer om hur det funkar här.
Så här hanterar KB dina uppgifter vid användning av denna tjänst.