The effects of psychosocial factors on trapezius muscle activity levels during computer use

Jennifer L. Bruno Garza*, Belinda H W Eijckelhof, Maaike A. Huysmans, Peter W. Johnson, Jaap H. Van Dieen, Allard J. Van Der Beek, Jack T. Dennerlein

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The goal of the present study, a part of the PROOF (Predicting Occupational biomechanics among OFfice workers) study, was to determine if there was a relationship between psychosocial stress, measured by reward and over-commitment, and trapezius muscle activity while workers performed their own computer work in the field. We observed that workers reporting higher levels of over-commitment and lower reward also experienced approximately 40% higher median trapeizus muscle activity levels than workers reporting lower levels of over-commitment and lower reward (change from 3.5% MVC to 6% MVC), with no difference in muscle activity for workers reporting high reward and either low or high overcommitment. Workers reporting higher levels of over-commitment experienced more variability in trapezius muscle activity. The results of this study may be used to inform interventions targeting reduction of musculoskeletal disorders among office workers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
    Pages1123-1127
    Number of pages5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012 - Boston, MA, United States
    Duration: 22 Oct 201226 Oct 2012

    Conference

    ConferenceProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityBoston, MA
    Period22/10/1226/10/12

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