Muscle Fatigue and Forearm Pain in Computer Users
Author Information
Author(s): Thomsen Gert F, Johnson Pete W, Svendsen Susanne W, Kryger Ann I, Bonde Jens Peter E
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital
Hypothesis
Forearm pain with palpation tenderness in computer users is associated with increased extensor muscle fatigue.
Conclusion
Computer users with forearm pain and moderate to severe palpation tenderness had diminished forearm extensor muscle fatigue response.
Supporting Evidence
- The average maximal voluntary contraction was similar between cases and referents.
- Referents showed a 27% decrease in muscle twitch force after exercise compared to 9% in cases.
- Higher BMI was associated with increased fatigue.
Takeaway
People who use computers a lot and have pain in their forearms might not get as tired in their muscles as those who don't have pain.
Methodology
Eighteen computer users with forearm pain and twenty matched referents were assessed for muscle fatigue using electrical stimulation and muscle twitch force measurements.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of participants from the same trade union may affect generalizability.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causation between pain and muscle fatigue.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were women (over 80%) with an average age of 43.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.032
Confidence Interval
95% CI 17–37
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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