EMG analysis of sitting work postures in women

Based on EMG analysis on six middle-aged women, seven sitting work postures were compared with reference to relaxed standing position. The muscles included in the investigation are pectoralis major, levator scapulae, deltoideus, latissimus dorsi, upper fibres of the trapezius, erector spinae, vastus medialis and lateralis, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles. The commoner sitting postures examined were sitting on the floor with crossed legs, sitting on the floor with right leg bent at the knee, sitting on the floor with left leg bent at the knee, squatting with both legs bent at the knee without any back support, sitting on a plank of 10 cm height with both legs bent at the knee, sitting on the floor with legs extended, and sitting upright on a stool of 40 cm height. The relative load on the muscles was highest in the case of sitting on the floor with the right leg bent at the knee. However, less muscle activity was noted when sitting on the floor with the legs extended, a posture commonly adopted by women performing various domestic and other activities.