The effect of forearm support on children’s head, neck and upper limb posture and muscle activity during computer use

Straker, Leon, Burgess-Limerick, Robin, Pollock, Clare and Maslen, Barbara (2009) The effect of forearm support on children’s head, neck and upper limb posture and muscle activity during computer use. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 19 5: 965-974. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.02.003


Author Straker, Leon
Burgess-Limerick, Robin
Pollock, Clare
Maslen, Barbara
Title The effect of forearm support on children’s head, neck and upper limb posture and muscle activity during computer use
Journal name Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology   Check publisher's open access policy
ISSN 1050-6411
1873-5711
Publication date 2009-10-01
Year available 2009
Sub-type Article (original research)
DOI 10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.02.003
Open Access Status
Volume 19
Issue 5
Start page 965
End page 974
Total pages 10
Editor T. Moritani
M. Solomonow
Place of publication Oxford , U.K
Publisher Elsevier
Language eng
Subject C1
920409 Injury Control
920501 Child Health
110601 Biomechanics
Abstract Use of computers by children has increased rapidly, however few studies have addressed factors which may reduce musculoskeletal stress during computer use by children. This study quantified the postural and muscle activity effects of providing forearm support when children used computers. Twelve male and 12 female children (10–12 years) who regularly used computers were recruited. Activities were completed using a computer with two workstation configurations, one of which provided for forearm support on the desk surface. 3D posture was analysed using an infra-red motion analysis system. Surface EMG was collected from five muscle groups in the neck/shoulder region and right upper limb. Providing a support surface resulted in more elevated and flexed upper limbs. The use of forearm or wrist support was associated with reduced muscle activity for most muscle groups. Muscle activity reductions with support were of sufficient magnitude to be clinically meaningful. The provision of a supporting surface for the arm is therefore likely to be useful for reducing musculoskeletal stresses associated with computing tasks for children.
Keyword Musculoskeletal disorder
Children
Computer use
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Grant ID 229011
Institutional Status UQ

 
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Created: Sun, 22 Mar 2009, 20:33:08 EST by Deborah Noon on behalf of School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences