Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg,
Göteborg, Sweden | Department of Product and Production Development,
Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden | Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics,
University of Southern Denmark | Occupational and Environmental Medicine, The
Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden | Department of Work Science, University of Gothenburg,
Göteborg, Sweden | Volvo Technology Corporation, Humans, Systems &
Structures, Göteborg, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Pernilla Larsman, Department of
Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Box 500, 405 30 Sweden. Tel.: +46 31 786
00 00; Fax: +46 31~786 46 28; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The current study investigated the associations between work-related
perceived stress and surface electromyographic (sEMG) parameters (muscle
activity and muscle rest) during standardized simulated computer work (typing,
editing, precision, and Stroop tasks). It was part of the European case-control
study, NEW (Neuromuscular assessment in the Elderly Worker). The present
cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire survey and sEMG measurements
among Danish and Swedish female computer users aged 45 or older
(n = 49). The results show associations between work-related
perceived stress and trapezius muscle activity and rest during standardized
simulated computer work, and provide partial empirical support for the
hypothesized pathway of stress induced muscle activity in the association
between an adverse psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal symptoms
in the neck and shoulder.
