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Title:	Effects of using a document holder when typing on head excursion and neck muscle activity among computer users with and without neck pain
Authors:	Ambusam Subramaniam (P72309)
Supervisor:	Baharuddin Hj. Omar, Prof. Dr.
Keywords:	Neck Pain Neck Muscles Musculoskeletal disorders Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia -- Dissertations
Issue Date:	2016
Description:	Work related neck musculoskeletal disorders are known to be associated with an increase usage of computers in daily routines. Approximately 36-58% of computer users experience neck pain. Over excursion of head and increased neck muscle activity during typing has been shown to contribute to neck pain among computer users. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of neck musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in the local population. Head excursion and neck muscle activity while typing among computer users with and without neck pain were also examined using a newly developed document holder 'Ergopad'. Prevalence of neck musculoskeletal pain was assessed among 348 computer users (mean age, 27.56±8.58 years) using Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and Neck Pain Functional Limitation Scale (NPFLS). Head excursion and neck muscle activity was assessed using accelerometer and surface electromyography with the use of 'Ergopad' while typing among computer users with neck pain (n=26, mean age: 28.23±4.01 years) and without neck pain (n=26, mean age: 27.77±2.82 years). The overall prevalence rate for neck and shoulder pain among the 348 computer users were 76.7% and 61.2% respectively. A two-way ANOVA (with and without neck pain x with and without Ergopad) was conducted to examine the effects and interaction of using a document holder 'Ergopad' between computer users with and without neck pain. The results demonstrated that with the use of the document holder 'Ergopad', there was a significant decrease in head excursion (p<0.001) and muscle activity of right upper trapezius (p<0.05), left upper trapezius (p<0.05), left lower trapezius (p<0.05) and right anterior deltoid (p<0.05). Computer users with neck pain had significantly (p<0.001) higher right lower trapezius muscle activity compared to the group without neck pain. However, there were no differences in muscle activity in the other muscles between participants with and without neck pain. These findings suggest work related neck musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among local computer users. The results of the present study also support the use of a document holder when typing to assist in decreasing head excursion and muscle activity in neck muscles. Using a document holder while typing may be beneficial in preventing repetitive strain injuries of the neck among computer users.,Masters in Biomedical Sciences
Pages:	85
Call Number:	WE20.A947e 2016 9
Publisher:	UKM, Kuala Lumpur
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Health Sciences / Fakulti Sains Kesihatan

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