The effect of arm and wrist supports on the load of the upper extremity during VDU work

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of arm and wrist supports in reduc ing the workload during computer work. Design. Female subjects (n = 10) performed computer work in conditions with arm or wrist supports and in a condition without supports. Background. Sustained muscle tension in the trapezius muscle is a risk fact or for trapezius myalgia. Arm and wrist supports are use at the workplace w ith the intention to reduce the muscle tension. The effectiveness of these aids in reducing the load is not clear. Methods. A typing task and mouse task were performed, each with four types of supports and without support. Electromyography and subjective ratings we re used to quantify the workload. Results. Lower levels of trapezius muscle activation were recorded with the use of arm supports. Wrist supports did not reduce activation:. The rated perceived workload did not discriminate. Conclusions. Reduction of muscle activation in the neck-shoulder region dur ing standard visual display unit work can be achieved with arm supports, Wr ist supports do not reduce the strain on the neck-shoulder region. Subjecti ve ratings seem not of use in:selecting ergonomic aids in low intensity tas ks.