The Effect of an Orthotic Device for Balancing Neck Muscles During Daily Office Tasks

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the acute effect of the combined and single use of two orthotic devices (neck balance system [NBS] and lumbar support [LS]) on muscle activity of neck and back muscles during typical computer working tasks. Background: An excessive activation of neck muscles...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human factors 2019-08, Vol.61 (5), p.722-735
Main Authors: Quinzi, Federico, Scalia, Martina, Giombini, Arrigo, Di Cagno, Alessandra, Pigozzi, Fabio, Casasco, Maurizio, Macaluso, Andrea
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activation
Adult
Back Muscles
Computers
Contraction
Electromyography
Ergonomics
Female
Humans
Lumbosacral Region
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Contraction
Muscles
Neck
Neck Muscles
Neck pain
Orthotic Devices
Pain
Sitting Position
Space life sciences
Workers
Young Adult
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the acute effect of the combined and single use of two orthotic devices (neck balance system [NBS] and lumbar support [LS]) on muscle activity of neck and back muscles during typical computer working tasks. Background: An excessive activation of neck muscles could threaten the balance between agonist and antagonist muscles, resulting in a lower stability of the head and possibly leading to neck pain. At present, no study evaluated the effect of a specific orthotic device in reducing neck muscles activation. Methods: Surface electromyography (sEMG) from neck flexor (sternocleidomastoid [SCMD]) and extensor muscles (semispinalis capitis [SPC]) and back extensor muscles (erector spinae [ERS]) of 20 healthy individuals was recorded during three computer working tasks performed with the NBS, with NBS and LS, with the LS, and without devices (ND). Results: In the NBS condition, the SPC showed a reduced activation (NBS = 3.97%; NBS + LS = 4.49%; LS = 4.48%; ND = 4.61% of the maximal voluntary contraction) compared to the other conditions. Conclusions: The use of the NBS promotes a reduction of neck extensor muscles, possibly due to the inertial mass added in the occipital part of the head, producing an external neck extensor moment that cooperates with that produced by neck extensor muscles. Application: Orthotic devices such as the NBS may be used by computer workers to reduce the activation of their neck extensor muscles and possible risks of developing neck pain.
ISSN:0018-7208
1547-8181
DOI:10.1177/0018720818814957