Surface EMG Based Muscle Fatigue Evaluation on Neck-Shoulder Muscles while Using Single-Monitor Arm

Abstract:

The median frequency (MF) and mean power frequency (MPF) have been confirmed as reliable indicators of muscle fatigue during sustained contractions. The purpose of this study was to explore whether single-monitor arm could release muscle fatigue in neck-shoulder region while maintaining a prolonged seated posture viewing computer screen by measuring MF and MPF. Ten male healthy university students volunteered to participate in the test. Surface electromyography of splenius capitis (SC) and trapezius (TR) were recorded. Each subject performed normal text editing tasks or video watching activities for 120 minutes with different monitor arm positions (Fixed, moving downward and moving upward). Results showed that the MPF of SC and TR had significant decreased trend as monitor arm at fixed position. As monitor arm moving upward, the MF and MPF of both muscles decreased significantly with time and the MF showed the lowest decline rate during the entire testing process. No significant shift of MF and MPF were observed as monitor arm moving downward. Findings of this study may have important implications for people who use computer intensively to release neck-shoulder muscle fatigue.

• Periodical: Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (Volume 29)
• Pages: 61-67
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/JBBBE.29.61
• Online since: October 2016
• Authors: Yan Hao Shao, Yan Song Zhou*, Yan Zhang, Yao Dong Gu, Gusztáv Fekete, Justin Fernandez
• Keywords: Median Frequency, Muscle Fatigue, Neck-Shoulder, SEMG

References

[1] B. Bernard, S. Sauter, L. Fine, M. Petersen, T. Hales, Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees, Scand J Work Environ Health, 20 (1994) 417-426.

DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.1379

[2] G. Szeto, L. Straker, P. Sullivan, A comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers performing monotonous keyboard work—1: neck and shoulder muscle recruitment patterns, Manual therapy, 10 (2005) 270-280.

DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2005.01.004

[3] G. Szeto, C. Chan, S. Chan, H. Lai, E. Lau, The effects of using a single display screen versus dual screens on neck-shoulder muscle activity during computer tasks, Int J Ind Ergonom, 44 (2014) 460-465.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2014.01.003

[4] S. Tamrin, N. Akir, N. Guan, V. How, N. Zolkifli, The Effect of Using Dual Screen Computer Panel to the Neck-Shoulder Muscle Activity among Group of Students, Iran J Public Health, 45 (2016) 61.

[5] K. Fostervold, A. Aaras, I. Lie, Work with visual display units: long-term health effects of high and downward line-of-sight in ordinary office environments, Int J Ind Ergonom, 36 (2006) 331-343.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2005.05.003

[6] L. Straker, C. Pollock, R. Burgess, R. Skoss, J. Coleman, The impact of computer display height and desk design on muscle activity during information technology work by young adults, J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 18 (2008) 606-617.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2006.09.015

[7] K. Kothiyal, A. Bjørnerem, Effects of computer monitor setting on muscular activity, user comfort and acceptability in office work, Work, 32 (2009) 155-163.

DOI: 10.3233/wor-2009-0801

[8] A. Hamaoui, M. Hassaïne, B. Watier, P. Zanone, Effect of seat and table top slope on the biomechanical stress sustained by the musculo-skeletal system, Gait & posture, 43 (2016) 48-53.

DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.10.024

[9] A. Mannion, P. Dolan, Electromyographic median frequency changes during isometric contraction of the back extensors to fatigue, Spine, 19 (1994) 1223-1229.

DOI: 10.1097/00007632-199405310-00006

[10] G. Szeto, L. Straker, P. O'Sullivan, EMG median frequency changes in the neck–shoulder stabilizers of symptomatic office workers when challenged by different physical stressors, J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 15 (2005) 544-555.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.06.004

[11] J. Seghers, A. Jochem, A. Spaepen, Posture, muscle activity and muscle fatigue in prolonged VDT work at different screen height settings, Ergon, 46 (2003) 714-730.

DOI: 10.1080/0014013031000090107

[12] J.P. Clarys, Electromyography in sports and occupational settings: an update of its limits and possibilities, Ergon, 43 (2000) 1750-1762.

DOI: 10.1080/001401300750004159

[13] A. Luttmann, M. Jäger, W. Laurig, Electromyographical indication of muscular fatigue in occupational field studies, Int J Ind Ergonom, 25 (2000) 645-660.

DOI: 10.1016/s0169-8141(99)00053-0

[14] K. Turville, J.P. Psihogios, T.R. Ulmer, G.A. Mirka, The effects of video display terminal height on the operator: a comparison of the 15 and 40 recommendations, Applied Ergon, 29 (1998) 239-246.

DOI: 10.1016/s0003-6870(97)00048-3

[15] M.B. Villanueva, H. Jonai, M. Sotoyama, N. Hisanaga, et al., Sitting posture and neck and shoulder muscle activities at different screen height settings of the visual display terminal, Industrial Health, 35 (1997) 330-336.

DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.35.330

[16] G. Szeto, L. Straker, P. O'Sullivan, A comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers performing monotonous keyboard work—2: neck and shoulder kinematics, Manual Therapy, 10 (2005) 281-291.

DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2005.01.005