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Changes in microcirculation of the trapezius muscle during a prolonged computer task.
B Cagnie1, F Dhooge, J Van Akeleyen
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 3B3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. barbara.cagnie@ugent.be
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|January 21, 2012
Summary
Office work tasks significantly decrease oxygen saturation and blood flow in the trapezius muscle. This reduction occurred across all muscle sections, affecting both individuals with and without trapezius myalgia.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Trapezius myalgia is common in office workers due to prolonged computer use.
- Understanding muscle oxygenation and blood flow changes is crucial for managing neck and shoulder pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in trapezius muscle oxygen saturation and blood flow during a standardized computer task.
- To compare these changes in office workers with and without trapezius myalgia.
Main Methods:
- Twenty office workers (10 with trapezius myalgia, 10 controls) performed a 60-minute typing and mousing task.
- Muscle tissue oxygenation and blood flow were measured in the upper, middle, and lower trapezius (left and right sides) using the "oxygen to see" device at intervals throughout the task.
Main Results:
- A significant time-dependent decrease in oxygen saturation and blood flow was observed in all trapezius muscle parts (p < 0.001).
- Oxygenation was higher in the upper trapezius (UT) compared to middle (MT) and lower trapezius (LT) (p < 0.001).
- Lower oxygen saturation was found in the MT of individuals with myalgia compared to controls (p = 0.027), and right UT blood flow was lower than left UT blood flow (p = 0.026).
Conclusions:
- One hour of combined computer tasks leads to reduced oxygen saturation and blood flow in the trapezius muscle.
- These findings highlight the physiological impact of prolonged computer work on trapezius muscle health.
- Further research should explore interventions to mitigate these effects.
