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Abstract

This paper reviews the ergonomic and psychosocial factors that affect musculoskeletal disorders at the workstation. First is a model of a physiological assessment protocol that incorporated SEMG monitoring while working at the computer. Next is a study that showed that participants lack awareness of their muscle tension as compared to the actual SEMG levels. The final study illustrated how an intervention program can reduce RSI symptoms, decrease respiration rate, and lower SEMG activity. Recommendations include suggestions that successful safety and prevention programs need multiple components and that participants should to be trained to control physiological responses with respiration and SEMG biofeedback. All participants should master these physiological skills just as they learn how to use the computer.

Psychophysiological Patterns During Cell Phone Text Messaging: A Preliminary Study

“…To perform fine motor movements necessary to manipulate the controls of the devices, participants automatically and unconsciously stabilize their trunks, tighten their necks and shoulders and breathe shallowly as well as thrust their heads forward in order to read the small screen. This immobilized position combined with increased sympathetic arousal, neck and shoulder tension and shallow breathing, if triggered frequently, could contribute to developing musculoskeletal disorders, pain or repetitive strain injury (Peper et al 2003). This response may have long term health consequences especially as more children operate digital devices instead of spending time playing and performing large body movements.…”

“…Smith and Williams (2004) reported that subjects reported lowering levels of belonging, control, self-esteem, and meaningful existence as well as worsening of moods when text-messaging was used as the vehicle for communication during an experiment. Although none of these studies measured physiological changes that occurred during cell phone text messaging, we previously had observed that people tended to stabilize their body (become rigid) and held their breath or shallow breathed when they entered data and/or read the LCD screen (Peper et al 2003;Peper and Harvey 2008).…”

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic shoulder pain: a randomized, controlled trial

“…Furthermore, patients were instructed to apply heat, such as a hot shower or hot packs, for muscle relaxation and pain relief at least twice every day. All patients received ergonomic advice and instructions to assume and maintain good posture [58,59]. The content and aim of each session varied on the basis of the specific findings from the initial evaluations and patients' responses to previous treatment sessions.…”