Impact of Different Shaped Computer Devices on Forearm and Shoulder Muscle-Activity at PC Workstations

Purpose Because there is a high prevalence of shoulder and neck pain it is neccessary to study the reasons: we made a comparative investigation of muscle activity in shoulder and forearm during use of different computer devices. Materials and Methods We measured muscle activity in forearm and shoulder by surface-EMG including 34 study participants at standardised workplace-setting and collected user judgement by questionaire. Results The use of a wide spread computer device evoked statistic significant highest muscle activities in comparision to ergonomic adjusted ones. The questionaire-results differed strongly: low activation of muscles did not correlate with subjective convenience. Discussion and Conclusions To reduce high loads of shoulder muscles it can be advisible to change to a more ergonomic computer device. Out of our data it can be chosen suitable for personal complaints. The acceptance of user should be considered.