Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical
Science and Engineering, Inje University, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea | Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School,
Inje University, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
Note: [] Corresponding author: Won-Gyu Yoo, Department of Physical
Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University,
Republic of Korea: 607 Obangdong, Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, 621-749, Korea.
Tel.: +82 55 320 3994; Fax: +82 55 329 1678; E-mail: won7y@inje.ac.kr
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The etiology of the neck and back discomfort are highly
associated with abnormal static posture such as forward head posture and flexed
relaxed posture; such postures are regarded as the risk factors for
work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Although, various ergonomic chairs and
devices have been developed for computer workers, there are few reports of
software that can alert users to their posture or work hours. OBJECTIVE: Purpose of the present study was to investigate the difference of kinematics of
the neck and trunk segments as well as muscular activation between condition
with and without posture related auditory cueing. METHODS: Twelve male computer workers were recruited in this study. A posture related auditory
cueing (PAC) program used a media file that generated postural correction cue
at intervals of 300 seconds. Surface electromyography was used to measure the
activity of the erector spine and upper trapezius. Kinematic data were obtained
using an ultrasonic three dimensional movement analysis system. RESULTS: The results showed that the means of trunk flexion and forward head angle were
significantly reduced with PAC. The muscular activity of the erector spine and
upper trapezius was significantly higher with the PAC and significantly lower
without the PAC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that the software
providing PACs is an ergonomic device with positive effects for preventing
habitual poor posture and potential for widespread practical usage.
Keywords: Auditory cue, ergonomics devices, forward head posture, poor posture
