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Published on: December 11, 2013
Neck postures in air traffic controllers with and without neck/shoulder disorders
Inger Arvidsson1, Gert-Ake Hansson, Svend Erik Mathiassen
1Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden. inger.arvidsson@med.lu.se
Applied Ergonomics
|June 15, 2007
Summary
This study found no significant difference in neck posture between female air traffic controllers with and without neck-shoulder disorders. The common belief linking neck extension to these disorders during computer work is not supported by this data.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Prolonged computer use is often linked to neck-shoulder disorders.
- The role of specific neck postures, like extension, remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neck postures during computer work in female air traffic controllers with and without neck-shoulder disorders.
- To investigate the association between neck posture and neck-shoulder disorders in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- 13 cases and 11 referents were selected from 70 female air traffic controllers.
- Neck postures were measured using inclinometers on the head and upper back (C7/Th1).
- A novel method calculated neck flexion/extension based on head and upper back movements.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in median neck flexion/extension was observed between cases (-10 degrees) and referents (-9 degrees).
- The p-value of 0.9 indicates no statistical significance in posture differences.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the hypothesis that a neck extension posture during computer work increases the risk of neck-shoulder disorders.
- Findings suggest other factors may contribute more significantly to these disorders in air traffic controllers.
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