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

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

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period22/10/201226/10/2012

Cite this