Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Computer Terminals; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Electromyography

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to monitor the level of muscle activity in upper trapezius and forearm musculature of subjects while typing at different keyboarding positions through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Methods: Thirteen female and fourteen males took part in this study ranging from 22 to 43 years of age. Subjects were asked to type at four different keyboarding positions (90 degree, 110 degree, Powerboard 1, Powerboard 2). A device called a Powerboard was used for two of the positions tested. Repeated-measures Analysis of Varience statistics were calculated with significance established at p< .05.

Conclusion: The Powerboard provided for the best overall positioning while computer keyboarding, although the researcher feels that the keyboarding position should be varied depending on the particular symptoms and needs of the client.

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