Abstract
In this study the working conditions of six spinal cord injured (SCI) and one meningomyelocele (MMC) subject were evaluated with regard to risk factors for neck and shoulder disorders. Each subject was visited by an ergonomist at the workplace where the working conditions were documented by means of video recordings, questionnaires and the ergonomist's evaluation of the workplace. From situations identified, including the subject's own reporting of problematic situations and layout of the workplace, possible changes were discussed and implemented if feasible.
A specific aim of the study was to see if a myofeedback method to be used during work at the regular workplace was applicable and of use to promote a more favourable activation of the neck- and shoulder muscles in this group of subjects.
The experiences from this study are that the employer had usually not optimised the participating subjects' workplaces and that several easily implemented changes could be made that improved the working conditions. Regarding the myofeedback intervention, all of the subjects taking part increased the amount of time where the trapezius muscle was in a rest-like condition, which should be considered a change in a positive direction.
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