title: Impact of rest-break interventions on the neck and shoulder posture of symptomatic VDU operators during prolonged computer work.
abstract: There is limited research on the effects of different types of rest-break interventions for visual display unit (VDU) operators on neck and shoulder postures. This study examined the effect of rest-break interventions on the neck and shoulder postures of symptomatic VDU operators during prolonged computer work. Thirty subjects were randomly and equally assigned to breaks with stretching, breaks with dynamic movement and passive breaks. Subjects performed the typing task for 60 min and received 3-min breaks after 20 min of work. The craniovertebral and forward shoulder angles were obtained from a 3D motion analysis system. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the craniovertebral and forward shoulder angles among any types of rest breaks. It can be concluded that the three types of rest-break interventions had positive effects on neck and shoulder posture during prolonged computer terminal work.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences , Chulalongkorn University , Thailand.
authors.forename: Montakarn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chaikumarn
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Physical Therapy , Rangsit University , Thailand.
authors.forename: Nuttika
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nakphet
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences , Chulalongkorn University , Thailand.
authors.forename: Prawit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Janwantanakul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016288:Computer Terminals; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D009068:Movement; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D009333:Neck; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture; D012146:Rest; D012782:Shoulder; D013785:Thailand
keywords: neck and shoulder postures; rest break; symptomatic VDU operators