In subgroup analyses , we found an equal effect of different stressor types ( i.e. cognitive/emotional stress , work pace , and precision ) on muscle activity in both body regions .
In conclusion , simulated workplace stressors result in an increase in neck-shoulder and forearm muscle activity .
No indications were found that different types of stressors affect these body regions differently .
Workplace stressors have been indicated to play a role in the development of neck and upper extremity pain possibly through an increase of sustained ( low-level ) muscle activity .
The aim of this review was to study the effects of workplace stressors on muscle activity in the neck-shoulder and forearm muscles .
An additional aim was to find out whether the muscles of the neck-shoulder and the forearm are affected differently by different types of workplace stressors .
Influence of time pressure and verbal provocation on physiological and psychological reactions during work with a computer mouse
Abstract . The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether time pressure and verbal provocation has any effect on physiological and psychological reactions during work with a  computer mouse . It was hypothesised that physiological reactions other than muscle activity ( i.e. wrist movements , forces applied to the computer mouse ) would not be affected when working under stressful conditions . Fifteen subjects ( 8 men and 7 women ) participated , performing a st and ardised text-editing task under stress and control conditions .  Blood pressure , heart rate , heart rate variability , electromyography , a force-sensing computer mouse and electrogoniometry  were used to assess the physiological reactions of the subjects . Mood ratings and ratings of perceived exertion were used to assess their psychological reactions . The  time pressure and verbal provocation  ( stress situation ) result ed in increased physiological and psychological reactions compared with the two control situations . Heart rate , blood pressure and muscle activity in the first dorsal interosseus , right extensor digitorum and right trapezius muscles were greater in the stress situation . The peak forces applied to the button of the computer mouse and wrist movements were also affected by condition . Whether the increases in the physiological reactions were due to stress or increased speed/productivity during the stress situation is discussed . In conclusion , work with a computer mouse under time pressure and verbal provocation ( stress conditions ) led to increased physiological and psychological reactions compared to control conditions
In subgroup analyses , we found an equal effect of different stressor types ( i.e. cognitive/emotional stress , work pace , and precision ) on muscle activity in both body regions .
In conclusion , simulated workplace stressors result in an increase in neck-shoulder and forearm muscle activity .
No indications were found that different types of stressors affect these body regions differently .
Workplace stressors have been indicated to play a role in the development of neck and upper extremity pain possibly through an increase of sustained ( low-level ) muscle activity .
The aim of this review was to study the effects of workplace stressors on muscle activity in the neck-shoulder and forearm muscles .
An additional aim was to find out whether the muscles of the neck-shoulder and the forearm are affected differently by different types of workplace stressors .