Oxygenation, EMG and position sense during computer mouse work. Impact of active versus passive pauses

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology 2006-05, Vol.97 (1), p.59-67
• Main Authors: Crenshaw, A G, Djupsjöbacka, M, Svedmark, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Computer Peripherals; Electromyography - methods; Exertion physiology; Fatigue; Female; Forearm - physiology; Humans; Muscle; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Oxygen - metabolism; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Exertion - physiology; Posture - physiology; Proprioception - physiology; Psychomotor Performance - physiology; Rest - physiology; Skeletal physiology; Trends; Word Processing
• ISSN: 1439-6319; 1439-6327; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-006-0138-4

We investigated the effects of active versus passive pauses implemented during computer mouse work on muscle oxygenation and EMG of the forearm extensor carpi radialis muscle, and on wrist position sense. Fifteen healthy female subjects (age: 19-24 years) performed a 60-min mouse-operated computer task, divided into three 20 min periods, on two occasions separated by 3-6 days. On one occasion a passive pause (subjects resting) was implemented at the end of each 20-min period, and on another occasion an active pause (subjects performed a number of high intensity extensions of the forearm) was implemented. Also at the end of each 20-min period, test contractions were conducted and subjective ratings of fatigue and stress were obtained. Another parameter of interest was total haemoglobin calculated as the summation of oxy-and deoxy-haemoglobin, since it reflects blood volume changes. The most interesting findings were an overall increasing trend in total haemoglobin throughout the mouse work (P