Publication
Title
The Ipswich Microbreak Technique to alleviate neck and shoulder discomfort during microscopic procedures
Author
Abstract
Neck and shoulder disorders are a considerable health problem amongst frequent microscope users. We aimed to investigate the neck and shoulder discomfort experienced during prolonged microscopic activity and to assess the benefits of minibreaks. A prospective crossover study was performed on 17 healthy volunteers sitting still while looking down a bench with and without the Ipswich Microbreak Technique (IMT). We used a subjective measure of time to fatigue and pain in the neck and shoulder regions as well as objective readings from a surface electromyogram (sEMG). The IMT delayed the sensation of pain in the neck and shoulder region while reducing the overall sEMG muscle activation. In conclusion, IMT is a useful strategy in reducing and delaying the pain in neck and shoulder from prolonged working under the microscope. This technique can be incorporated in other activities that involve a sustained stationary position.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Applied ergonomics : human factors in technology and society. - Guildford, 1969, currens
Publication
Guildford : 2020
ISSN
0003-6870 [print]
1872-9126 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.APERGO.2018.04.013
Volume/pages
83 (2020) , 9 p.
Article Reference
102679
ISI
000504789500009
Pubmed ID
29735161
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.09.2018
Last edited 04.03.2024
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