Neck and shoulder muscle activation in farm workers performing simulated orchard work with and without neck support.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to detect any differences in electromyographic (EMG) activity in the neck and shoulder muscles while performing simulated orchard work with and without neck support.

Participants: Fourteen healthy orchard harvesters (eight men and six women) who had no functional disorder of the neck or upper limbs and had never received orthopedic surgery were recruited.

Methods: A repeated-measures design was used.