Could work-related muscle activity explain sex differences in neck pain? A meta-analysis of a pooled dataset.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Sustained activity of the upper trapezius muscle during work has been linked to the development of neck pain. Women have higher occurrences of neck pain than men, even in the same occupations. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific associations between upper trapezius muscle activity time-related variables and neck pain using a meta-analysis of pooled data.

Methods

Seven Scandinavian research institutes provided surface electromyographic (EMG) data on the upper trapezius muscle activity during work and related questionnaire-based data on neck pain severity. EMG and questionnaire data were harmonized and pooled. Associations between upper trapezius muscle activity variables [median muscle activity, frequency of muscular rest periods, and periods with sustaine

SUBMITTER: Koch M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12282473 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature