Discomfort glare and psychological stress during computer work: subjective responses and associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow

Correlation between Muscular Activity and Vehicle Motion during Double Lane Change Driving

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation between electromyography (EMG) activity and vehicle motion during double lane change driving. This study measured five vehicle motions: the steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, roll angle, and yaw velocity. The EMG activity for 19 muscles and vehicle motions was applied for envelope detection. There was a significantly high positive correlation between muscles (mean correlation coefficient) for sternocleidomastoid (0.62) and biceps brachii (0.71) and vehicle motions for steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, and yaw velocity, but a negative correlation between the muscles for middle deltoid (-0.75) and triceps brachii long head (-0.78) and these vehicle motions. The ANOVA test was used to analyze statistically significant differences in the main and interaction effects of muscle and vehicle speed. The mean absolute correlation coefficient exhibited an increasing trend with the increasing vehicle speed for the muscles (increasing rate%): upper trapezius (30.5%), pectoralis major sternal (38.7%), serratus anterior (13.3%), and biceps brachii (11.0%). The mean absolute correlation coefficient showed a decreasing trend with increasing vehicle speed for the masseter (-9.6%), sternocleidomastoid (-12.9%), middle deltoid (-5.5%), posterior deltoid (-20.0%), pectoralis major clavicular (-13.4%), and triceps brachii long head (-6.3%). The sternocleidomastoid muscle may decrease with increasing vehicle speed as the neck rotation decreases. As shoulder stabilizers, the upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, and serratus anterior muscles are considered to play a primary role in maintaining body balance. This study suggests that the primary muscles reflecting vehicle motions include the sternocleidomastoid, deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, serratus anterior, biceps, and triceps muscles under real driving conditions.

Accuracy and efficacy of ultrasound-guided puncture (vs. computed tomography-guided) in cervical medial branch blocks for cervicogenic pain: A randomized controlled study

Cervical medial branch block (CMBB) has been recognized as an effective treatment for cervicogenic pain. Previous studies mostly used ultrasound-guided out-of-plane puncture for CMBB, while this prospective study was designed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided in-plane puncture, specifically focusing on the new target of CMBB for cervical pain. This study includes two parts: the accuracy study (N = 15, CMBB was completed by ultrasound and confirmed by computed tomography [CT], in which a good distribution percentage of the analgesic solution was observed) and the efficacy study (N = 40, CMBB was completed by ultrasound or CT, while the proportion of pain relief (numerical rating scale) decrease by more than 50% postoperatively was analyzed). The results showed that the good distribution percentage of the analgesic solution was 97.8%. Furthermore, in the early period (30 min and 2 h postoperatively), the proportion of patients with pain relief was lower in the ultrasound group than that in the CT group, especially at 2 h postoperatively (52% vs. 94%). However, at 24 h postoperatively and later, the proportion of patients with pain relief gradually stabilized to about 60%-70%, and lasted for about 2 weeks to 1 month. Therefore, the new target for CMBB, guided by ultrasound in-plane, offers high visibility and accuracy. A single CMBB performed under ultrasound guidance resulted in pain relief comparable to that of a CT-guided procedure (1 day to 1 month postoperatively). This study indicated that CMBB guided by ultrasound in-plane could be regarded as a promising approach for treatment of cervicogenic pain.

Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adults in Saudi Arabia

Background Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is widely recognized as a prevalent public health issue that affects individuals of various genders and age groups. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of musculoskeletal pain on the quality of life (QoL) of adult individuals living in Saudi Arabia. Method This is a cross-sectional study using an online-administered questionnaire that was distributed via online platforms in Saudi Arabia for the duration between January and August 2023. Three questionnaire instruments were used in this study. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), The 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of better QoL and having mild to moderate disability. Results A total of 8359 participants were involved in this study. The most commonly reported sites of musculoskeletal pain were the lower back, neck, and shoulder, accounting for 36.8% (n= 3072), 30.5% (n= 2549), and 30.1% (n= 2514), respectively. The mean pain score for the study participants was 4.3 (SD: 2.3), which indicates mild degree of pain. The median EQ-5D-5L index value for the study participants was 0.827 (0.756-1.00), which demonstrates a high quality of life. The mean SF-36 score for the study participants was 63.11 (17.4), which demonstrates moderate quality of life. The median Roland-Morris Disability score for the study participants was 1.00 (0.00-7.00), which demonstrates a low level of pain-related disability. Male gender, younger age (30-39 years), having higher education attainment, having higher monthly income (more than SAR 20000), and having lower BMI (less than 25.8 kg/cm2) were predictors of better QoL (p<0.05). Conclusion Musculoskeletal pain is a multifactorial condition influenced by structural, physical, psychological, social, lifestyle, and comorbid health elements. It ranges from acute to chronic pain and, despite rarely being fatal, has a significant impact on QoL. Musculoskeletal discomfort varies in terms of intensity, affected regions, and demographic and lifestyle factors. This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of MSP, its impact on QoL, and the significance of early intervention and individualized management strategies to improve the QoL of those affected.

Prevention of neck pain in adults with a Back School-Based intervention: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Neck pain is a health problem worldwide. To prevent it, experts recommend exercise and education.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of a Back School-based intervention for the prevention of nonspecific neck pain in a healthy adult population.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial with 58 participants with no history of neck pain within the past six months. The experimental group performed an 8-week Back School-based program. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Primary outcomes, which include the number of episodes, days and intensity of neck pain, and the number of medical visits, were recorded in a 1-year follow-up diary and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Secondary outcomes, such as neck flexor, neck extensor, and scapular muscles endurance, were analyzed using the ANOVA test.

RESULTS

In the analysis of the primary outcomes, no significant differences were found in the number of episodes (p = 0.068,d = -0.49), number of days (p = 0.059,d = -0.54), or the average intensity of neck pain (p = 0.061,d = -0.53). There were significant changes in the number of medical visits (p = 0.033,d = -0.57). Moving to secondary outcomes, significant interactions were observed in neck flexor (p = 0.045, ηp2 = 0.036) and neck extensor endurance (p = 0.049, ηp2 = 0.035), but not in scapular muscle endurance (p = 0.536, ηp2 = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The Back School-based program reduced the number of medical visits and increased the endurance of the cervical musculature. Trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05260645.

Quantitative ultrasound to assess efficacy of treatment for neck somatic dysfunctions: a feasibility study

CONTEXT

Neck pain is a common complaint in healthcare clinics. Although the pathogenesis of neck pain is often multifactorial, trapezius muscle dysfunction has been commonly linked to neck pain. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment modality in treating trapezius muscle dysfunction and neck pain. However, there is a current lack of objective, quantitative measures to assess the effectiveness of OMT. Through previous research, ultrasound technology has been shown to be promising in its ability to quantify tissue changes both pre- and post-OMT.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the feasibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing upper trapezius muscles with pain and hypertonicity, as well as the changes in these muscles post-OMT for cervical somatic dysfunctions.

METHODS

After obtaining approval from the Rocky Vista University Institutional Review Board and written informed consent from participants, SWE and osteopathic assessments were performed on 22 adult participants with and without cervical spine somatic dysfunction. Participants with positive osteopathic assessments of tissue texture, asymmetry, restricted motion, and/or tenderness (TART) were treated utilizing OMT. Shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s) and shear wave velocity rate [SWVR = (SWV contraction - SWV relaxation)/ SWV relaxation] of the upper trapezius muscles with and without pain and hypertonicity, and before and after OMT, were examined utilizing a two-tailed t-test.

RESULTS

SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR were significantly lower in muscles with pain compared to muscles without pain (p≤0.01). SWV in muscle contraction was also significantly lower in hypertonic muscles compared to normotonic muscles (p<0.01). Following OMT, SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR in muscles with pain and hypertonic increased significantly (p≤0.01). Overall TART score of all muscles with somatic dysfunction (SD) after OMT significantly decreased (p<0.01). SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR in hypertonic muscles were also significantly increased (p≤0.03), with an improvement index of 0.11 and 0.20.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing SWE to evaluate somatic dysfunctions of the upper trapezius musculature and the efficacy of OMT for neck somatic dysfunctions.

Visual discomfort and contact lens wear: A review

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe how vision influences contact lens discomfort and review the evidence supporting the hypothesis that contact lens discomfort can be caused by vision and vision-related disorders. Contact lens discomfort is a misunderstood and difficult to manage clinical condition. Most treatments and strategies aimed at alleviating discomfort focus on optimizing the contact lens fit and its relationship with the ocular surface, but these strategies commonly fail at relieving discomfort symptoms. Many vision and vision-related disorders share symptoms with those reported by uncomfortable contact lens wearers. This paper will review evidence and literature that describes how these vision and vision-related disorders may influence comfort in contact lens wearers. Acknowledging how vision influences contact lens discomfort will improve future research intended to better understand the condition, allow for more effective clinical management, and reduce rates of discontinuation.

Effects of back school-based intervention on non-specific neck pain in adults: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Neck pain has a high prevalence and socioeconomic impact worldwide. The Back School consists of programs that include exercises and educational interventions to treat back pain. Accordingly, the main objective was to evaluate the effects of an intervention based on Back School on non-specific neck pain in an adult population. The secondary objectives were to analyze the effects on disability, quality of life and kinesiophobia.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 58 participants with non-specific neck pain divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) carried out the 8-week programme based on the Back School, (two sessions per week, for a total of 16 sessions, lasting 45 min). Of all the classes, 14 had a practical focus (strengthening and flexibility exercises) and the other two had a theoretical focus (concepts of anatomy and healthy lifestyle). The control group (CG) stated that they did not vary their lifestyle. The assessment instruments were: Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Short-Form Health Survey-36 and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

RESULTS

The EG reduced pain (-40 points, CI95% [-42 to -37], g = -1.03, p < 0.001), EG had less disability (-9.3 points, CI95% [-10.8 to -7.8], g = -1.22, p < 0.001), EG improved the physical dimension of the survey Short-Form Health Survey-36 (4.8 points, CI95% [4.1 to 5.5], g = 0.55, p = 0.01) but had not significant change in psychosocial dimension of the survey Short-Form Health Survey-36 and EG reduced Kinesiophobia (-10.8 points, CI95% [-12.3 to -9.3], g = -1.84, p < 0.001). The CG did not obtain significant results in any variable of the study. Significant differences in change between both groups were found on pain (-11 points, CI95% [5.6 to 16.6], p < 0.001, g = 1.04), disability (-4 points, CI95% [2.5 to 6.2], p < 0.001, g = 1.23), physical dimension of the survey Short-Form Health Survey-36 (3 points, CI95% [-4-4 to -2-5], p = 0.01, g = -1.88), and kinesiophobia ( 7 points, CI95%[-8.3 to -5.4], p < 0.001, g = 2.04), while no significant differences were found on psychosocial dimension of the survey Short-Form Health Survey-36 (-0.02, CI95% [-1.7 to 1.8], g = 0.01, p = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The back school-based programme has beneficial effects on pain, neck disability, the physical dimension of quality of life and kinesiophobia in an adult population with non-specific neck pain. However, it did not lead to improvements in the psychosocial dimension of the participants' quality of life. This programme could be applied by health care providers with the aim of reducing the severe socio-economic impact of non-specific neck pain worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION IN CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT05244876 (registered prospectively, date of registration: 17/02/2022).

Quantitative indicators of street lighting with mood, fatigue, mental workload and sleepiness in car drivers: Using generalized structural equation modeling

Inadequate lighting will be associated with some degree of perceptual error such as sleepiness. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between mood, fatigue, mental workload, and sleepiness and their relationship with quantitative indicators of street lighting in passenger car drivers. The present study was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 270 drivers of passenger cars. The quantitative indices of lighting studied were illuminance, luminance, uniformity, and disability glare which were calculated using the Hagner device (EC1-L) and according to EN 13201 standard. Alertness and mood indices, fatigue scale (SAMN-PERELLI), mental workload (NASA-TLX), positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) were used. Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) was used to investigate the relationship between mood, fatigue, mental workload, and drivers' sleepiness. Data analysis was performed in version 26 of SPSS software and version 14 of Stata software There is a significant relationship between illuminance and mood (P < 0.001). There is a significant relationship between the degree of disability glare on the streets and the mood (P = 0.006). There is a significant relationship between fatigue score and mood (P < 0.001) so that with increasing one unit in fatigue scale, mood score decreases by 0.669 units (P < 0.001). Finally, it can be assured that lighting interventions can be done as an effective way to increase alertness and reduce fatigue and the mental workload of drivers with the aim of reducing night traffic accidents.

Relationship of Healthy Building Determinants With Back and Neck Pain: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Back pain and neck pain are very common, costly, and disabling. Healthy building determinants within the built environment have not been adequately assessed as contributors to these conditions. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the relationship of healthy building determinants with back and neck pain.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PEDRo. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: Adults, comparison of healthy building determinants (air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety/security, thermal health, water quality) with back and neck pain, original research, English. Studies were excluded if full text articles were unavailable and if the focus was patient and materials handling or ergonomics.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction and other review procedures were elaborated according to PRISMA guidelines. Data Synthesis: Data were synthesized with an approach adapted from Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and American Physical Therapy Association.

RESULTS

37 articles enrolling 46,223 participants were eligible. Most articles were cross-sectional (31/37) and fair quality (28/37). None were interventional. Evidence was found to generally support a relationship indicating that as healthy building determinants worsen, the risk of back and neck pain increases.

CONCLUSION

Although the available evidence precludes interpretations about causality, the study's findings are starting points to guide future research, knowledge creation, and health promotion initiatives about the relationships of the built environment with back and neck pain.

A Survey of Neck Pain among Dentists of the Lebanese Community

Results

The majority of participants were between the ages of 25 and 35, and the gender distribution of the demographic distribution was comparable. The prevalence of pain was 86.8% (97/342 dentists). NDI analysis showed that 65.7% had mild disability, 12.8% have a moderate disability, and 1% had severe disability. Bivariate analysis showed that pain was affected by age (p=0.013), orthodontist practices (p=0.031), regular exercise (p < 0.001), using vibrating instruments (p < 0.001), cervical flexion for better vision while working (p < 0.001), knowledge, and experience about ergonomic posture (p < 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed four predictors for pain: age (p=0.017), performing stretching exercises after finishing clinical practice (p=0.022), orthodontist specialty (p=0.029), and performing cervical flexion for better vision while working (p=0.004).

Conclusion

This study showed that through the application of some strategies such as stretching, exercising, and being careful in using vibrating instruments, the dentist may be able to relieve the pain.

Is the combination of exercise therapy and health education more effective than usual medical care in the prevention of non-specific back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice guidelines emphasize the importance of the prevention and treatment of non-specific back pain through exercise therapy and health education. However, it has not yet been confirmed that the combination of exercise plus education is more effective than usual medical care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if the combination of exercise plus education is more effective for the prevention of non-specific back pain than usual medical care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Medline was conducted with the terms Back Pain, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Health Education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Primary Prevention, Secondary Prevention and Clinical Trial. The inclusion criteria were: articles published from 2016 to 2021, the intervention included exercise and education, and the sample consisted of non-specific back pain patients.

RESULTS

A total of 4 randomized controlled trials were selected (average PEDro score 6.5 points). The meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences in the pain intensity, standardized mean differences was found to be -0.75 (95% CI = -1.41 to -0.08; p = 0.03); and in disability, standardized mean differences was found to be -0.24 (95% CI = -0.38 to -0.1; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions combining exercise and education seem to have a greater preventive effect on non-specific back pain than usual medical care.Key messagesExercise therapy and health education combination prevent better non-specific back pain than usual care.Combining exercise with educational interventions has a higher improvement on disability and kinesophobia than usual care.

Laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain in school children - the role of lifestyle behaviour and eye wear: a cross-sectional study

Background

Lifestyle behaviour in children and adolescents has become increasingly sedentary and occupied with digital work. Concurrently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of headache, neck- and low back pain, which are leading causes of disability globally. Extensive near work and use of digital devices are demanding for both the visual system and the upper body head-stabilizing musculature. Uncorrected vision problems are present in up to 40% of Nordic school children, and a lack of corrective eye wear may cause eyestrain, musculoskeletal pain and headache. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between laboured reading, musculoskeletal pain, uncorrected vision, and lifestyle behaviours in children and adolescents.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 192 Norwegian school children aged 10–11 and 15–16 years. As a part of a school vision testing program, the children completed an online questionnaire about general and ocular health, socioeconomic status, academic ambition, near work and related symptoms, upper body musculoskeletal pain, and physical and outdoor activities.

Results

The 15–16-year-olds had a more indoor, sedentary, digital-based lifestyle with higher academic demands, compared with the 10–11-year-olds. Concurrently, reading became more laboured and upper body musculoskeletal pain increased with age. Girls reported more symptoms, higher academic ambitions, and more time spent on schoolwork and reading, compared with boys. Non-compliance in wearing prescribed eye wear (glasses or contact lenses), increased use of near digital devices, and experiencing visual stress (glare) were positively associated with laboured reading and upper body musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusions

A screen-based lifestyle with high academic demands challenges the ability to sustain long hours of static, intensive near work. Extensive near work tires the visual system and upper body musculature and provokes laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations in school children, and the need to raise awareness among children, parents, and school- and health personnel about the importance of optimal vision and visual environment for academic performance and health.

Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, having an age-standardised prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1000 population in 2019. This literature review describes the global epidemiology and trends associated with neck pain, before exploring the psychological and biological risk factors associated with the initiation and progression of neck pain.

METHODS

The PubMed database and Google Scholar search engine were searched up to May 21, 2021. Studies were included that used human subjects and evaluated the effects of biological or psychological factors on the occurrence or progression of neck pain, or reported its epidemiology.

RESULTS

Psychological risk factors, such as long-term stress, lack of social support, anxiety, and depression are important risk factors for neck pain. In terms of the biological risks, neck pain might occur as a consequence of certain diseases, such as neuromusculoskeletal disorders or autoimmune diseases. There is also evidence that demographic characteristics, such as age and sex, can influence the prevalence and development of neck pain, although further research is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study provide a comprehensive and informative overview that should be useful for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of neck pain.

How Optimal is The Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work Station at The Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga

 Introduction: The academic and student affairs department in the administration room of the Faculty of Public Health of Universitas Airlangga works using a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) with a sitting work position that has the potential to cause eye strain and several muscular disorders. This study aimed to describe the work station of VDT users in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga. Method: This research was an observational research using cross-sectional descriptive design. The population was the users of the VDT in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, as many as 11 people. The sample used was total population. Data were collected using an observation sheet and then was analyzed descriptively. Result: The head position of all workers were optimal (100.0%); the majority of workers' visibility was optimal (54.5%); all table heights were optimal (100.0%); most of the elbow angel and keyboard position was not optimal (63.6%); the majority of mouse positions were optimal (54.5%); chair heights were not optimal (100.0%); most of the backrest and waist angle was optimal (72.7%); most of the workers' knee angles were not optimal (81.8%); most of the legroom were optimal (81.8%); all workstations did not have footing and document holders (100.0%), so they were considered not optimal. Conclusion: Most of the elements is considered as optimal, but some elements are not optimal, including elbow angle, the keyboard position, chair height, knee angle, footing, and document holder.Keywords: work station, sitting work position, visual display terminal