Neck and shoulder muscle activation in farm workers performing simulated orchard work with and without neck support

The purpose of this study was to detect any differences in electromyographic (EMG) activity in the neck and shoulder muscles while performing simulated orchard work with and without neck support.

Fourteen healthy orchard harvesters (eight men and six women) who had no functional disorder of the neck or upper limbs and had never received orthopedic surgery were recruited.

A repeated-measures design was used. The subjects were asked to perform simulated orchard work with and without neck support. The EMG activities of the anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and triceps brachii (lateral head) muscles during the two conditions were analyzed using paired t-tests.

The EMG activity of the anterior deltoid and middle deltoid muscles increased significantly and that of the upper trapezius muscles decreased significantly when the working with a neck support compared to without it (p < 0.05). Wearing a neck support may prevent overuse of the upper trapezius muscles by encouraging shoulder elevation and activating the deltoid muscles. The activation of these muscles decreases scapular movement and the results in greater stabilization of scapulohumeral rhythm.

The appropriate application of a neck support may be helpful in preventing disorders of the neck and shoulder muscles resulting from long-term intensive orchard work, however long term application of such support is necessary before definitive information is available.