Ergonomic arm support prototype device for smartphone users reduces neck and shoulder musculoskeletal loading and fatigue.

Smartphone use is a risk factor for both neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate an ergonomic arm support prototype device, which may help improve posture while using a smartphone, by determining its effect on muscle activity, muscle fatigue, and neck and shoulder discomfort. Twenty-four healthy young adult smartphone users performed 20 min of smartphone game playing under two different conditions, smartphone use with support prototype device (i.

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain.

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles.

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain.

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles.

Effect of time of day on height loss response variability in asymptomatic participants on two consecutive days.

Ergonomists measure height loss in relation to loads imposed on the spine. It is difficult to interpret whether height loss responses recorded on different days are accurate due to natural daily fluctuations in height loss and measurement variability. The objective of this research was to investigate whether the variability of height loss in the sitting position is affected by time of day and to analyse day-to-day variability in asymptomatic participants.

Effect of neck flexion angles on neck muscle activity among smartphone users with and without neck pain.

This study examined the differences in neck muscle activity at various neck flexion angles in smartphone users with and without neck pain. Forty-four participants performed texting tasks for 1 min and 30 s. Neck muscle activity and pain in the neck were measured at different neck flexion angles.

Factors associated with neck disorders among university student smartphone users.

Background: In our digital society, the use of smartphones has increased rapidly. Parallel with the growing use of smartphones, musculoskeletal problems associated with intensive smartphone use have also increased. Neck flexion is the most commonly adopted posture by smartphone users while looking at the visual display terminals of smartphones for extended periods; this posture may lead to neck disorders.

Ergonomic risk assessment of smartphone users using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool.

The number of smartphone users globally is rapidly increasing. This study aimed to assess the level of ergonomic risk to smartphone users, and to evaluate the correlation between any self-reported musculoskeletal disorders and the level of ergonomic risk. Thirty participants completed a questionnaire, tailored specifically for smartphone users, to determine any musculoskeletal disorders.

Knee musculoskeletal impairments and associated pain factors among rice farmers.

Background: Rice farming is done using manual methods and involves strenuous labour, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with knee musculoskeletal impairments and related pain among rice farmers complaining of knee pain.

Methods: The study employed a community-based, cross-sectional design.

Identification of influential demographic and work-related risk factors associated to lower extremity pain perception among rice farmers.

Background: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and abnormal alignments of the lower extremities (LE) was found for rice farmers. It is important to investigate demographic and work-related risk factors associated with LE pain prior to developing intervention strategies addressing the problematic factors of the highest-risk task.

Objective: To identify factors associated with LE pain in rice farmers for every stage of the cultivation process.