Active stabilisation training for screen based keyboard operators - a single case study

A single case study was undertaken of a screen based keyboard operator with a subclinical work related neck and upper limb disorder. It was proposed that retraining the stabilisation capacity of the postural supporting muscles (deep cervical flexors and the lower scapular stabilisers) would relieve selected musculoskeletal structures of stress, making them less sensitive to physical tests. The study involved three four-week phases: pre-intervention, intervention and a post-intervention phase. The results showed that as the ability of the postural supporting muscles to hold a low level contraction improved, the mechanosensitivity of the structures tested was reduced. This points to the benefits of exercise to improve muscle stabilisation capacity in work injury prevention programs and warrants further study.