Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Public Health
Center, Dobong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Department of Occupational Therapy, The Graduate
School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea | Department of Control and Instrumentation Engineering,
Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea | Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health
Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Min-ye Jung, Department of
Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, 234
Maeji-ri, Heungup-myun, Wonju, Kangwon-do, 220-710 Republic of Korea. E-mail: Minye@yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract: 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. The subjects were asked to perform simulated orchard work with
and without neck support. The EMG activities of the anterior deltoid, middle
deltoid, upper trapezius, and triceps brachii (lateral head) muscles during the
two conditions were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: The EMG activity of the anterior deltoid and middle deltoid muscles increased
significantly and that of the upper trapezius muscles decreased significantly
when the working with a neck support compared to without it (p < 0.05).
Wearing a neck support may prevent overuse of the upper trapezius muscles by
encouraging shoulder elevation and activating the deltoid muscles. The
activation of these muscles decreases scapular movement and the results in
greater stabilization of scapulohumeral rhythm. Conclusions: The appropriate application of a neck support may be helpful in preventing
disorders of the neck and shoulder muscles resulting from long-term intensive
orchard work, however long term application of such support is necessary before
definitive information is available.
