The effect of arm and wrist supports on the load of the upper extremity during VDU work.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of arm and wrist supports in reducing the workload during computer work.


METHODS
Female subjects (n=10) performed computer work in conditions with arm or wrist supports and in a condition without supports.


BACKGROUND
Sustained muscle tension in the trapezius muscle is a risk factor for trapezius myalgia. Arm and wrist supports are used at the workplace with the intention to reduce the muscle tension. The effectiveness of these aids in reducing the load is not clear.


METHODS
A typing task and mouse task were performed, each with four types of supports and without support. Electromyography and subjective ratings were used to quantify the workload.


RESULTS
Lower levels of trapezius muscle activation were recorded with the use of arm supports. Wrist supports did not reduce activation. The rated perceived workload did not discriminate.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduction of muscle activation in the neck-shoulder region during standard visual display unit work can be achieved with arm supports. Wrist supports do not reduce the strain on the neck-shoulder region. Subjective ratings seem not of use in selecting ergonomic aids in low intensity tasks. RelevanceVisual display unit workers are at risk of developing complaints of the neck and upper extremity. Arm and wrist supports are introduced at the workplace to reduce the workload. If arm and wrist supports are effective in reducing the workload they might be of use as preventive measures to reduce the risk of neck-shoulder complaints.
Visser
B
B
Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b_visser@fbw.vu.nl
de Korte
E
E
van der Kraan
I
I
Kuijer
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D016288:Computer Terminals; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014953:Wrist / Q000502:physiology