Comparison of immediate changes in cervical and lumbar repositioning errors and pain in asymptomatic computer users after computer work

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate changes in cervical and lumbar repositioning errors and pain threshold in asymptomatic persons following performance of computer work. [Subjects] Fifteen asymptomatic computer users were recruited. [Methods] The pressure pain of the upper trapezius and L4 erector spinae muscles, and the cervical and lumbar repositioning errors of subjects were measured at before, and after 1 hour and 2 hours of computer work. [Results] The pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle significantly decreased with increasing duration of computer work: after 2 hours of computer work < after 1 hour of computer work < before computer work. The pressure pain threshold of the L4 erector spinae muscle was significantly decreased after 2 hours of computer work. The cervical repositioning error significantly increased with the duration of computer work: after 2 hours of computer work > after 1 hour of computer work > before computer work. The lumbar repositioning error significantly increased after 2 hours of computer work. [Conclusion] We suggest that the cervical repositioning error may be a useful index or screening test for forecasting or detecting cervical dysfunction or pain in asymptomatic persons in clinical practice.