Document Type : Original Article
Researcher
Student in the Sports Pathology Department, Faculty of Physical Education, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran
Ministerial Ethics Committee
Using a laptop entails certain limitations. Individuals must modify their sitting posture and adopt a flexed position when using an external monitor and keyboard. Moreover, the act of sitting itself—without any additional factors—can reduce lumbar lordosis during sitting and lead to posterior pelvic tilt, consequently influencing cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis (Sarig-Behat et al., 2023). Individuals who spend prolonged periods working with laptops and computers are more prone to developing musculoskeletal disorders compared to others. Factors such as age, gender, work hours, and body posture—particularly seated posture at a desk—can significantly impact the onset of musculoskeletal disorders, including neck pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, among others.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected trunk and neck muscles during laptop use among female computer science students, both with and without forward head posture (FHP).
The statistical population consisted of all female computer science students at Allameh Tabataba'i University. A convenience and purposive sample of 20 participants was selected and divided into two groups: those with forward head posture (n = 10) and those without (n = 10). Initially, the forward head angle was measured using photogrammetry. Subsequently, EMG activity of the sternocleidomastoid, upper and lower trapezius, and upper cervical muscles was recorded during a 15-minute typing task. Following data collection, independent t-tests were performed using SPSS statistical software.