Effects of wearing a tight necktie on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius muscle activity during computer work.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of wearing a tight necktie on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius muscle activity.

METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS

Thirty computer workers were recruited. First, the active cervical ROM of the participants while wearing or not wearing a tight necktie was measured using the CROM instrument. Subsequently, upper trapezius muscle activity was measured while working at a visual display terminal with and without a tight necktie.

RESULTS

The neck flexion, neck extension, and lateral flexion of the subjects' cervical range of motion were significantly decreased when wearing a tight necktie compared to without it. The activity of the upper trapezius muscle significantly increased when working while wearing a tight necktie compared to without.

CONCLUSION

It is especially important for male workers to select and tie neckties appropriately in order to prevent musculoskeletal injuries induced by limitation of cervical ROM or repetitive cumulative tension increase of the upper trapezius.