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01-01-2006 | Original Article

Neuromuscular assessment in elderly workers with and without work related shoulder/neck trouble: the NEW-study design and physiological findings

Authors: G. Sjøgaard, K. Søgaard, H. J. Hermens, L. Sandsjö, T. Läubli, S. Thorn, M. M. R. Vollenbroek-Hutten, L. Sell, H. Christensen, A. Klipstein, R. Kadefors, R. Merletti

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2006

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and shoulder area are a major occupational concern in the European countries especially among elderly females. The aim was to assess these disorders based on quantitative EMG indicators and functional tests. 252 female computer users (45–68 years) were recruited from four European countries in two contrast groups: (1) 88 neck/shoulder (NS) cases reporting trouble in the neck and/or shoulder region for more than 30 days during the last year, and (2) 164 NS-controls reporting such trouble for no more than 7 days. Questionnaires, functional/clinical tests, and physiological recordings were performed in workplace related field studies. The results showed no differences in anthropometrics but NS-cases reported more strained head positions and more eye problems than controls. The psychosocial working factors were similar, although, NS-controls had slightly better scores on working conditions, general health, and vitality compared to cases. The NS-cases had lower maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during shoulder elevation (mean (SD) 310 (122) N) compared to the controls (364 (122) N). During 30% MVC electromyography (EMGrms) in the trapezius muscle was lower in NS-cases (194 (105) μV) than in controls (256 (169) μV), while no differences were found regarding endurance time. Estimated conduction velocity was not different between NS-cases and -controls. Four functional computer tests were performed equally well by NS-cases and -controls, and the corresponding EMG variables also did not differ. A major finding in this large-scale epidemiological study is the significantly lower MVC in NS-cases compared with NS-controls together with lower EMGrms value at 30% MVC, while computer tasks were performed at similar relative muscle activation. The study was unable to reveal quantitative EMG indicators and functional tests that could objectively assess disorders in NS-cases.

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Title: Neuromuscular assessment in elderly workers with and without work related shoulder/neck trouble: the NEW-study design and physiological findings
Authors: G. Sjøgaard
K. Søgaard
H. J. Hermens
L. Sandsjö
T. Läubli
S. Thorn
M. M. R. Vollenbroek-Hutten
L. Sell
H. Christensen
A. Klipstein
R. Kadefors
R. Merletti
Publication date: 01-01-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-005-0042-3

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Neuromuscular assessment in elderly workers with and without work related shoulder/neck trouble: the NEW-study design and physiological findings

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Other articles of this Issue 2/2006

Comparative assessment of study groups of elderly female computer users from four European countries: questionnaires used in the NEW study

Motor unit action potential rate and motor unit action potential shape properties in subjects with work-related chronic pain

Perceived work demands, felt stress, and musculoskeletal neck/shoulder symptoms among elderly female computer users. The NEW study

Comparison of the electromyographic activity in the upper trapezius and biceps brachii muscle in subjects with muscular disorders: a pilot study

Neuromuscular assessment of the elderly worker, NEW: a multidisciplinary European research project

Clinical signs and physical function in neck and upper extremities among elderly female computer users: the NEW study