The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Neck postures in air traffic controllers with and without neck/shoulder disorders.

På svenska

Author

  • Inger Arvidsson
  • Gert-Åke Hansson
  • Svend Erik Mathiassen
  • Staffan Skerfving

Summary, in English

Prolonged computer work with an extended neck is commonly believed to be associated with an increased risk of neck–shoulder disorders. The aim of this study was to compare neck postures during computer work between female cases with neck–shoulder disorders, and healthy referents. Based on physical examinations, 13 cases and 11 referents were selected among 70 female air traffic controllers with the same computer-based work tasks and identical workstations. Postures and movements were measured by inclinometers, placed on the forehead and upper back (C7/Th1) during authentic air traffic control. A recently developed method was applied to assess flexion/extension in the neck, calculated as the difference between head and upper back flexion/extension. Results: cases and referents did not differ significantly in neck posture (median neck flexion/extension: −10° vs. −9°; p=0.9). Hence, the belief that neck extension posture is associated with neck–shoulder disorders in computer work is not supported by the present data.

Publishing year

2008

Language

English

Pages

255-260

Publication/Series

Applied Ergonomics

Volume

39

Issue

2

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Keywords

  • Inclinometry
  • Computer work
  • Case-referent

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1872-9126