Effects of an hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of the one-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in symptomatic neck pain and asymptomatic office workers.

METHODS: A total of 40 participants, both male and female office workers, with symptomatic neck pain (n = 20) and asymptomatic (n = 20), were recruited. Pain intensity, ulnar nerve conduction velocity, median nerve conduction velocity, and muscle activity were conducted before and after one hour of computer use.

RESULTS: A significant increase in pain intensity in the neck area in both groups (p < 0.001). The symptomatic neck pain group revealed a significant decrease in the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve (p = 0.008), while there was no difference in the median nerve conduction velocity (p > 0.05). Comparing before and after computer use, the symptomatic neck pain group had less muscle activity of the semispinalis muscles and higher anterior scalene muscle activity than the asymptomatic group (p < 0.05). The trapezius and wrist extensor muscles showed no significant difference in both groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study found signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle and anterior scalene muscle after one hour of computer use among office workers with symptomatic neck pain, which may indicate the risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. The recommendation of resting, encouraging function and flexibility of the neuromuscular system after one hour of computer use should be considered.