A comparison of Posture and Back and Upper Extremity Muscle Activity during Standardized Computer Work between Pregnant and Non-Pregnant women

Abstract

In a previous study, pregnant women indicated that a prolonged sitting position, often associated with computer work, caused problems. Among other things, the researchers will evaluate the effect of the use of a platform that modifies the work surface. This platform, designed to be placed on a desk, offers additional arm support due to its curved shape. It will allow pregnant women to get closer to their work surface without having to bend forward as they currently do. The study will compare the posture and muscle activity of the back, shoulders, arms, elbows and wrists of women in their final trimester of pregnancy and women who are not pregnant, with and without a platform. The results will help the researchers, OHS practitioners, physicians, ergonomists, midwives and obstetricians, to understand how pregnant women adapt their postures to their condition. They will also indicate the usefulness of the tested platform.
This project is being carried out in the context of a grant from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for a collaborative project between Queens University and the IRSST.

Produced Under this Project

Scientific Publications

Fatigability of back extensor muscles does not change during pregnancy
Dumas G. A., Léger A., Plamondon A., Charpentier K., McGrath M.
Source :
Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 39, suppl. 1, 2006, p. S489
Reproducibility of a task description questionnaire for working pregnant women
Cheng P. L., Dumas G. A., Smith J. T., Léger A., Plamondon A., McGrath M. J.
Source :
Work, vol. 26, no 4, 2006, p. 389-397
Analysis of self reported problematic tasks for pregnant women
Cheng P. L., Dumas G. A., Smith J. T., Léger A., Plamondon A., McGrath M. I.
Source :
Ergonomics, vol. 49, no 3, 2006, p. 282-292
The effect of an ergonomic desk attachment board on muscle activity and computer work-related discomfort
Upjohn T., Dumas G. A., Charpentier K., Léger A., Pena Salazar E., Delisle A., Plamondon A.
Source :
in Proceedings of PREMUS 2007 : Sixth International Scientific Conference on Prevention of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (6th : August 27-30, 2007 : Boston, U.S.A.), 2007, p. 71, (http://www.premus2007.org/abstracts/upjohn-t.pdf)
Reproducibility of landmark digitizing used to assess joint angles
Dumas G. A., Delisle A., Hussein A. T., Upjohn T. R., Charpentier K., Pena Salazar E., Léger A., Plamondon A.
Source :
in International Society of Biomechanics XXI Congress / ISB, (21st : July 1-5, 2007 : Taipei, Taiwan), 2007, Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 40, suppl. 2, p. S352
Effect of a desk attachment board on posture and muscle activity in women during computer work
Dumas G. A., Upjohn T. R., Leger A., Delisle A., Charpentier K., Plamondon A., Pena Salazar E.
Source :
Ergonomics, vol. 51, no 11, 2008, p. 1735-1756
Comparison of posture and muscle activity between pregnant women and controls during computer work
Upjohn T., Dumas G., Delisle A., Leger A., Charpentier K., Plamondon A., Pena Salazar E.
Source :
in XVIIth Congress of the International Society of Electrophysiology & Kinesiology / ISEK (17th : June 18-21, 2008 : Niagara Falls, Canada), 2008
Back pain of working pregnant women: identification of associated occupational factors
Cheng P. L., Martin P., Smith J. T., Dumas G. A., Léger A., Plamondon A., McGrath M. J., Tranmer J. E.
Source :
Applied Ergonomics, vol. 40, no 3, 2009, p. 419-423
Fatigability of back extensor muscles and low back pain during pregnancy
Dumas G. A., Leger A., Plamondon A., Charpentier K. M., Pinti A., McGrath M.
Source :
Clinical Biomechanics, vol. 25, no 1, 2010, p. 1-5
Lifting and bending demands of the various tasks performed by daycare workers
Dumas G., Labaj A., Diesbourg T., Plamondon A. , Hakim Mecheri
Source :
Proceeding of 25th Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Glasgow, Royaume-Uni. [Poster].
Posture and lifting exposures for daycare workers
Labaj A., Diesbourg T., Dumas G., Plamondon A. , Hakim Mecheri, Larue C.
Source :
(2016). International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 54, 83-92. doi: 10.1016/j.ergon.2016.05.003

Additional Information

Type: Project

Number: 0099-5720

Status: Completed

Year of completion: 2007

Research Field: OSH and Sustainable Prevention Work Environment

Team:

Geneviève Dumas (Queen's University)
Andrew B. Leger (Queen's University)
Michael McGrath (Kingston General Hospital)
André Plamondon (IRSST)
Alain Delisle (IRSST)
Thierry Petitjean-Roget (IRSST)
Érik Salazar (IRSST)