Analysis of neck and shoulder postures, and muscle activities relative to perceived pain during laptop computer use at a low-height table, sofa and bed

Intolo, Pattariya; Shalokhon, Bunnawat; Wongwech, Geerapong; Wisiasut, Pushaya; Nanthavanij, Suebsak; Baxter, David

doi:10.3233/wor-192942

Cited by 27 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…At the same time, many people have reported an increase in physical, behavioral, and psycho-emotional problems; for example, backache, headache, stomachache, eyestrain, sore neck and shoulder pain, over-or undereating, over-or undersleeping, over-or underexercising, ruminative thoughts related to categories of anxiety or fear, boredom or numbness, depression or sadness, anger or hostility, etc. (Fosslien & Duffy, 2020;Intolo et al, 2019;Lee, 2020;Leeb et al, 2020;McGinty, Presskreischer, Anderson, Han, & Barry, 2020;Peper, Harvey, & Faass, 2020). This paper explores differences in communication and factors that can enhance learning during synchronous Zoom online education.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avoid Zoom Fatigue, Be Present and Learn

et al. 2021

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This paper explores plausible reasons why some students report having more difficulty learning online, predominantly in Zoom synchronous classes, and suggests strategies that students can do to optimize their learning. During anonymous classroom observations, approximately 80% of 350 college students polled indicated it was harder to focus their attention and stay present while taking classes online. They also reported experiencing more isolation, anxiety, and depression compared to face-to-face classes, although much of this may be due to COVID-19 social isolation. Students often appear nonresponsive when attending online synchronous Zoom classes that negatively impacts the nonverbal dynamics of student-instructor interactions. Communication issues includes internet challenges, lack of facial expressions, body appearance, and movement. Students also report that it is more challenging to maintain attention, especially when they are multitasking. Suggested strategies are to optimize learning that includes arranging the camera so that you are visible, using active facial and body responses as if you are communicating to just one person face-to-face, configuring your body and environment (sitting upright and creating unique cues for each specific task), reducing multitasking and notifications, and optimizing arousal and vision regeneration.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avoid Zoom Fatigue, Be Present and Learn

et al. 2021

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“…We measured PPT as an indicator of pressure sensitivity of soft tissues in the neck and shoulder area. Working with a laptop in a seated position with increased neck exion can cause more static muscle activity to the neck extensors and shoulder muscles [14], which can cause lowered PPT as a symptom of soft tissue overload [31]. Since the prevalence of acute shoulder area pain was higher among laptop users, we expected to nd differences in PPT in the upper trapezius region.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies have investigated discomfort and muscle activity in different body positions and laptop con gurations. When changing the position of work or the physical con guration of the laptop, muscle activity and discomfort seem to shift to different areas, therefore, making it impossible to nd the best posture and setting to use the laptop [7,14]. Laptop users have been shown to work in more extreme postures than desktop computer users, therefore causing postural strain.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Argus

2021

Preprint

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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.

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“…Inadequate positions of monitor, mouse, keyboard, heights of seat and desk can force workers to assume prolonged head flexion-extension (FE) and twisted neck (i.e., when the top of the head tilts to one side while the chin to the other side [8]). Inadequate and prolonged sitting postures, and workers' stressful conditions can cause a greater activation of the neck muscles [7,[9][10][11][12][13]. Besides, alteration of cervicothoracic mobility is correlated to respiratory dysfunctions [1,11,[14][15][16][17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Multi-Parametric Wearable System to Monitor Neck Movements and Respiratory Frequency of Computer Workers

Presti

Carnevale

D’Abbraccio

et al. 2020

Sensors

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Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common form of occupational ill-health. Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders experienced by computer workers. Wrong postural habits and non-compliance of the workstation to ergonomics guidelines are the leading causes of neck pain. These factors may also alter respiratory functions. Health and safety interventions can reduce neck pain and, more generally, the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and reduce the consequent economic burden. In this work, a multi-parametric wearable system based on two fiber Bragg grating sensors is proposed for monitoring neck movements and breathing activity of computer workers. The sensing elements were positioned on the neck, in the frontal and sagittal planes, to monitor: (i) flexion-extension and axial rotation repetitions, and (ii) respiratory frequency. In this pilot study, five volunteers were enrolled and performed five repetitions of both flexion-extension and axial rotation, and ten breaths of both quite breathing and tachypnea. Results showed the good performances of the proposed system in monitoring the aforementioned parameters when compared to optical reference systems. The wearable system is able to well-match the trend in time of the neck movements (both flexion-extension and axial rotation) and to estimate mean and breath-by-breath respiratory frequency values with percentage errors ≤6.09% and ≤1.90%, during quiet breathing and tachypnea, respectively.

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Analysis of neck and shoulder postures, and muscle activities relative to perceived pain during laptop computer use at a low-height table, sofa and bed

Cited by 27 publications

References 13 publications

Avoid Zoom Fatigue, Be Present and Learn

Avoid Zoom Fatigue, Be Present and Learn

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

A Multi-Parametric Wearable System to Monitor Neck Movements and Respiratory Frequency of Computer Workers

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