Effects of using a document holder when typing on head excursion and neck muscle activity among computer users with and without neck pain

• Main Authors: Subramaniam, Ambusam, Davinder Kaur, Ajit Singh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2019
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RC Internal medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/1263/1/Effects%20of%20using%20a%20document%20holder%20when%20typing%20on%20head%20excursion%20and%20neck%20muscle%20activity%20among%20computer%20users%20with%20and%20without%20neck%20pain.pdf; http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/1263/
• Institution: INTI International University

Purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of using a document holder while typing on head excursion and neck muscle activity among computer users with and without neck pain. Method. An experimental study including 52 individuals with (n = 26) and without (n = 26) neck pain was conducted. Head excursion and neck muscle activity were measured using an accelerometer and surface electromyography, respectively. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine the effects of using a document holder between computer users with and without neck pain. Results. The results demonstrated a decrease in head excursion (p <0.001) and muscle activity of both the right and left upper trapezius and the left lower trapezius and right anterior deltoid (p <0.05) with the use of a document holder. Computer users with neck pain had significantly (p <0.001) higher right lower trapezius muscle activity compared to the group without neck pain. Conclusion. The results of the study supported the use of a document holder to assist in decreasing head excursion and neck muscle activity. The use of a document holder while typing may be beneficial in preventing repetitive strain injuries among computer users.