Volunteers needed for study on neck pain in working women

Researchers in the division of Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland require volunteers for a research study on neck pain from working at computers.

Changes in technology, work practices and lifestyle have seen increased access to and use of computers and electronic games at work and home.

This has been associated with an escalation in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limb.

Neck pain from working in front of computers is suffered by 18-76 percent of workers each year.

Prevalence rates up to 63 percent have been reported for secretaries and office-based workers with the rate being greatest among women.

Investigators require female volunteers between 18 and 60 years of age who have no history of neck pain or trauma, and do not work in front of a computer for more than four hours a day.

Testing involves one session only at UQ. Researchers will be measuring neck movements; responses to sensory measures of pressure, vibration and temperature; and measures of muscle activity (using EMG) during various tasks, including a typing task.

To volunteer, contact Venerina Johnston on mobile 0407 164 977, telephone 07 3346 9726 or email v.johnston@shrs.uq.edu.au

Media: Venerina Johnston at UQ Physiotherapy (0407 164 977 or venerina@bigpond.com) or Elizabeth Kerr at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339)