%0 Journal Article
%T Trapezius muscle tone and viscoelastic properties in sitting and supine positions
%A Ragnar Viir
%A Ahti Virkus
%A Kari Laiho
%A Kristiina Rajaleid
%J SJWEH Supplements
%D 2007
%I 
%X OBJECTIVES: In this study, the aim was to use the upper trapezius muscle as a representative of the musculoskeletal support system to determine the effect of changing from a sitting position to a lying position on muscle tension and whether this change could be useful in the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints. METHODS: Fifteen healthy right-handed female computer operators participated in this study. Myometric measurements of the upper trapezius muscle on both sides of the body were recorded for the participants while they were in a sitting position and then again in a supine position. RESULTS: Changing from a sitting position to a supine position reduced the tone and stiffness by up to one-fifth¡ªimportant characteristics of the support function¡ªin the upper trapezius muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The change in the tone and stiffness of the trapezius muscle is of significance to the well-being of sedentary workers, particularly computer-terminal operators. Including recommended regular breaks of brief periods of simple, unchallenging movements while in a supine position should enhance their recovery from prolonged sitting because the support requirement on the muscles is lessened.
%K trapezius muscle
%K support function
%K workplace prevention
%K trapezius muscle tone
%K viscoelastic property
%K sitting position
%K supine position
%K muscle
%K gravity
%K prevention
%K muscle tone
%K workplace
%K sitting
%U http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=1186