Variation in muscle activity among office workers when using different information technologies at work and away from work.
OBJECTIVE
To determine differences in muscle activity amplitudes and variation of amplitudes when using different information and communication technologies (ICT).


BACKGROUND
Office workers use different ICT to perform tasks. Upper body musculoskeletal complaints are frequently reported by this occupational group. Increased muscle activity and insufficient variation are potential risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints.


METHODS
Muscle activity of right and left upper trapezius and right wrist extensor muscle bundle (extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis) of 24 office workers (performing their usual tasks requiring different ICT at work and away from work) were measured continuously over 10 to 12 hours. Muscle activity variation was quantified using two indices, amplitude probability distribution function and exposure variation analysis.


RESULTS
There was a trend for electronics-based New ICT tasks to involve less electromyography (EMG) variation than paper-based Old ICT tasks. Performing Combined ICT tasks (i.e., using paper- and electronics-based ICT simultaneously) resulted in the highest muscle activity levels and least variation; however, these Combined ICT tasks were rarely performed. Tasks involving no ICT (Non-ICT) had the greatest muscle activity variation.


CONCLUSIONS
Office workers in this study used various ICT during tasks at work and away from work. The high EMG amplitudes and low variation observed when using Combined ICT may present the greatest risk for musculoskeletal complaints, and use of Combined ICT by workers should be kept low in office work. Breaking up combined, New, and Old ICT tasks, for example, by interspersing highly variable Non-ICT tasks into office workers' daily tasks, could increase overall muscle activity variation and reduce risk for musculoskeletal complaints.
School of Occupational Therapy & Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U 1987, Perth 6845, Western Australia. m.ciccarelli@curtin.edu.au
Marina
M
Ciccarelli
Leon
L
Straker
Svend Erik
SE
Mathiassen
Clare
C
Pollock
D000328:Adult; D001415:Back / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D009816:Office Automation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis