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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-12-2014 | Original Article

Fatigue development in the finger flexor muscle differs between keyboard and mouse use

Authors: Jeong Ho Kim, Peter W. Johnson

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2014

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to determine whether there were any physiological changes in the muscle as a result of intensive computer use.

Methods

Using a repeated measures experimental design, eighteen subjects participated in four different 8-h conditions: a control (no exposure) condition and three exposure conditions comprised of 6 h of computer use (keyboard, mouse, and combined keyboard and mouse use) followed by 2 h of recovery. In each condition, using 2 Hz neuromuscular electrical stimulation, eight temporal measurements were collected to evaluate the fatigue state (twitch force, contraction time, and ½ relaxation time) of the right middle finger Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscle before, during, and after computer use.

Results

The results indicated that 6 h of keyboard, mouse, and combined mouse and keyboard use all caused temporal fatigue-related changes in physiological state of the FDS muscle. Keyboard use resulted in muscle potentiation, which was characterized by approximately 30 % increase in twitch force (p < 0.0001) and 3 % decrease (p = 0.04) in twitch durations. Mouse use resulted in a combined state of potentiation and fatigue, which was characterized by an increase in twitch forces (p = 0.002) but a prolonging (11 %) rather than a shortening of twitch durations (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

When comparing mouse and keyboard use, the more substantial change in the physiological state of the muscle with mouse use (potentiation and fatigue compared to just potentiation with keyboard use) provides some physiological evidence which may explain why mouse use has a greater association with computer-related injuries.

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Title: Fatigue development in the finger flexor muscle differs between keyboard and mouse use
Authors: Jeong Ho Kim
Peter W. Johnson
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2974-y

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Springer Medicine

Fatigue development in the finger flexor muscle differs between keyboard and mouse use

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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