title: Comparison of posture and muscle control pattern between male and female computer users with musculoskeletal symptoms.
abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the posture and muscle control patterns between male and female computer users with musculoskeletal symptoms. Forty computer users were recruited. Each subject performed a preferred speed typing, a fast speed typing, and a repetitive mouse task. The independent variables were gender, typing speed, and time. There were significant differences between genders for head and neck flexion angles when they were performing the preferred speed typing task. Significant differences between genders were also found for upper extremity angles when they were performing the repetitive mouse task. Male computer users had a smaller root mean square of the right extensor digitorium than females. In general, postural differences were significant between genders, even when the subjects' table and chair were adjusted to meet their anthropometry. Our results suggest that modifications of the computer working environment may be different between genders.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Institute and Department of Physical Therapy, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 Ta-Hsueh Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jeng-Feng
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Chiung-Yu
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003201:Computers; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009333:Neck / Q000503:physiopathology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology