Abstract
Our objective was to quantify changes in muscle EMG activity due to repetitive work. Using a repeated measures design, 13 females participated in 3 conditions, each lasting two eight-hour days: a control inactive condition, and two repetitive work conditions with ulnar deviation tasks at 20 and 25 repetitions per minute. EMG of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle (ECU) was recorded during voluntary isometric contractions (20% and 60% MVC) eight times throughout the work and control days. The amplitude of the EMG signal was lower on workdays compared to the control days. Initial median frequency of the EMG signal showed no change between the control and workdays; however, the decline of the median frequency with respect to time over the course of each isometric contraction was steeper during workdays compared to control days. These changes suggest that the muscles are in an early stage of fatigue when working for an eight-hour workday.
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