title: The influence of biofeedback training on trapezius activity and rest during occupational computer work: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of biofeedback training on trapezius activity and rest (gaps) during occupational computer work. A randomized controlled trial with 164 computer workers was performed. Two groups working with computer mouse more than 50% (n = 64) and less than 25% (n = 49) of their work time performed five sessions with unilateral electromyographical (EMG) biofeedback from the dominant trapezius during computer work. A third group working with computer mouse more than 50% of their work time (n = 51) served as controls. Bipolar EMG from the bilateral upper trapezius muscles during normal computer work was recorded. Changes in discomfort/pain were not recorded. The biofeedback training reduced activity (P < 0.05), and increased the frequency of short (P < 0.05) and long (P < 0.05) gaps, and the relative rest time (P < 0.05) of the trapezius during computer work. By improving trapezius inactivity during computer work, biofeedback training may have the potential to prevent trapezius myalgia in computer workers.
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. aho@nrcwe.dk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Holtermann
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Søgaard
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Blangsted
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000517:prevention & control; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003201:Computers; D004493:Education; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology*; D017132:Workplace; D014953:Wrist