Sex differences in postures of the upper body during a simulated work task performed above shoulder level

Autor(es)

Cid, Marina Machado ^[1] ; Cote, Julie N. ^[2] ; Zancanaro, Lucas Leonardo ^[1] ; Oliveira, Ana Beatriz ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, Lab Clin & Occupat Kinesiol LACO, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, SP-310, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] McGill Univ, Dept Kinesiol & Phys Educ, 475 Pine Ave West, Montreal, PQ H2W 1S4 - Canada

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS; v. 107, JUN 23 2020.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

The aim of this study was to evaluate if there are sex differences in postures of upper arm, upper back, head and neck after muscle fatigue induced by a simulated work task, requiring upper arm movements performed above shoulder level. Nineteen females and 18 males were evaluated. Upper arm elevation, upper back, head and neck forward flexion postures were recorded using digital inclinometers. The first and the last cycles of the task were considered as pre- and post-fatigue periods, respectively. For both periods, Amplitude Probability Distribution Function (APDF) was calculated for 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles, as well as the angular ranges between the 5th and 95th percentiles (APDF(5-95) range). The APDF(5-95) range for upper arm elevation was higher with fatigue, but with a higher increase for males. After fatigue, there was also a decrease in the upper arm elevation, with a larger decrease in males for the 10th and 50th percentiles. For head and neck, females showed higher APDF(5-95) ranges than males, regardless of the task period evaluated. After muscle fatigue, males adopted more neutral postures of the upper arm than females. Furthermore, females showed more non-neutral postures for head and neck. These findings suggest that the kinematic strategies adopted by females and males during a simulated work task are different and may predispose females to a higher risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/22386-6 - Efeito do gênero e da normalização do sinal eletromiográfico na ativação dos músculos trapézio e serrátil anterior durante atividade ocupacional repetitiva
• Beneficiário: Ana Beatriz de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular