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Bilgisayarda yazı yazma görevi sonrasında servikal kasların T2 relaksasyon süresi değişimleri : yarı deneysel, manyetik rezonans görüntüleme çalışması

Year 2026, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 83 - 89, 05.01.2026

Abstract

AMAÇ: Modern zamanlarda çalışma hayatı yoğun bilgisayar kullanımını içermeye başlamıştır. Bu tip işlerde çalışan kişilerde boyun ağrısının sık görülmesinin servikal kasların aktivasyon mekanizmasında oluşan değişiklikler ile ilişkili olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı bir bilgisayarda yazı yazma görevi sonrasında servikal kasların T2 relaksasyon sürelerinde oluşan değişiklikleri incelemektedir.
GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Yirmi yedi, asemptomatik, erkek üniversite öğrencisi (ortalama yaş: 20,41±0,74 yaş) çalışmaya katıldı. Tüm katılımcılardan bir bilgisayarda yazı yazma görevini gerçekleştirmesi istendi. MR görüntülemeler görev öncesi ve görev sonrası alındı. Her bir kasın T2 relaksasyon süresi ve fleksör (FT2 oran) ve ekstansör (ET2 oran) derin ve yüzeyel kasların oranları ölçüldü (FT2 oran=T2-derin fleksör kaslar/T2-yüzeyel fleksör kaslar and ET2 oran=T2 derin ekstansör kaslar/T2-yüzeyel eksransör kaslar).
SONUÇLAR: Görev sonrasında yüzeyel fleksör ve ekstansör kasların T2 relaksasyon süreleri bilateral olarak artış gösterdi (p<0,05). Derin fleksör ve ekstansör kaslarda ise her iki tarafta da değişiklik gözlenmedi (p>0,05). Her iki taraf FT2 oranları ve ET2 oranları anlamlı olarak azaldı (p<0,05).
TARTIŞMA: Yüzeyel kasların T2 relaksasyon süreleri yazı yazma görevi sonrasında artma eğilimindedir. Bilgisayar kullanımı ağırlıklı işlerde çalışan bireylerde yaptıkları görevler sonrasında oluşabilecek servikal kaslardaki dengesizlikler kas iskelet sistemi etkilenimlerine neden olabilir. Bu nedenle servikal kaslarda meydana gelen bu değişimleri bilmek bu alanda çalışan profesyonellerin etkilenmiş kasları hedefleyen, egzersiz ve ergoterapik müdahaleleri içeren uygun tedavi programlarını oluşturmalarına yardımcı olacaktır.

Ethical Statement

Çalışmanın etik kurul onayı Hacettepe Üniversitesi Klinik Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu'nun 10.01.2019 tarih ve 2019/01-48 sayılı kararı ile alınmıştır.

Supporting Institution

Bu çalışma Hacettepe Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Koordinatörlüğü tarafından 2019-17897 proje numarası ile desteklenmiştir.

Thanks

Sayın Mustafa Can DELİKANLI'ya MR sürecindeki destekleri için ve Sayın Kaan Semih ŞAVK'a görselleştirmedeki desteği için teşekkür ederiz.

References

  • Kazeminasab S, Nejadghaderi SA, Amiri P, et al. Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022; 23(1):26. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4
  • Hurwitz EL, Randhawa K, Yu H, Côté P, Haldeman S. The Global Spine Care Initiative: a summary of the global burden of low back and neck pain studies. Eur Spine J. 2018;27(Suppl 6):796-801. doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5432-9
  • Park JH, Kang SY, Lee SG, Jeon HS. The effects of smart phone gaming duration on muscle activation and spinal posture: pilot study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2017;33(8):661-669. doi:10.1080/09593985.2017.1328716
  • Fang F, Huo F, Feng Y. The effects of dual screen layout on neck-shoulder muscle activity and head-neck posture variability during computer tasks. Work. 2023;76(4):1535-1546. doi:10.3233/WOR-220585
  • Nimbarte AD, Alabdulmohsen RT, Guffey SE, Etherton JR. The impact of use of dual monitor screens on 3d head–neck posture and activity of neck muscles. IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors. 2013;1(1):38-49. doi:10.1080/21577323.2012.667051
  • Sjøgaard G, Lundberg U, Kadefors R. The role of muscle activity and mental load in the development of pain and degenerative processes at the muscle cell level during computer work. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;83 (2-3):99-105. doi:10.1007/s004210000285
  • Falla D, O’Leary S, Fagan A, Jull G. Recruitment of the deep cervical flexor muscles during a postural-correction exercise performed in sitting. Man Ther. 2007;12(2):139-143. doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.06.003
  • Röijezon U, Jull G, Djupsjöbacka M, Salomoni S, Hodges P. Deep and superficial cervical muscles respond differently to unstable motor skill tasks. Hum Mov Sci. 2021;80:102893. doi:10.1016/j.humov.2021.102893
  • Jull G, Sterling M, Falla D, Treleaven J, O'Leary S. Whiplash, headache, and neck pain: research-based directions for physical therapies. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.
  • Jull G, Falla D. Does increased superficial neck flexor activity in the craniocervical flexion test reflect reduced deep flexor activity in people with neck pain? Man Ther. 2016;25:43-47. doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.05.336
  • Cagnie B, O'leary S, Elliott J, Peeters I, Parlevliet T, Danneels L. Pain-induced changes in the activity of the cervical extensor muscles evaluated by muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging. Clin J Pain. 2011;27(5):392-397. doi:10.1097/AJP.0b013e31820e11a2
  • Christensen SWM, Palsson TS, Krebs HJ, Graven-Nielsen T, Hirata RP. Prolonged slumped sitting causes neck pain and increased axioscapular muscle activity during a computer task in healthy participants–a randomized crossover study. Appl Ergon. 2023;110:104020. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104020
  • Johnston V, Jull G, Darnell R, Jimmieson N, Souvlis T. Alterations in cervical muscle activity in functional and stressful tasks in female office workers with neck pain. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008;103(3):253-264. doi:10. 1007/s00421-008-0696-8
  • Falla D, Jull G, O’leary S, Dall’Alba P. Further evaluation of an EMG technique for assessment of the deep cervical flexor muscles. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2006;16(6):621-628. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.10. 003
  • Cagnie B, Elliott J, O'Leary S, D'hooge R, Dickx N, Danneels L. Muscle functional MRI as an imaging tool to evaluate muscle activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(11):896-903. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3586
  • Phua CS, Moffat B, Paul E, et al. Quantitative analysis of MR T2 relaxation times in neck muscles. Magn Reson Imaging. 2023;103:156-161. doi:10.1016/j.mri.2023.07.013
  • Adams GR, Duvoisin MR, Dudley GA. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography as indexes of muscle function. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1992;73(4):1578-1583. doi:10.1152/jappl.1992.73.4.1578
  • Janssen I, Heymsfield SB, Wang Z, Ross R. Skeletal muscle mass and distribution in 468 men and women aged 18–88 yr. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;89(1):81-88. doi:10.1152/jappl.2000.89.1.81
  • Nuzzo JL. Sex differences in skeletal muscle fiber types: a meta‐analysis. Clin Anat. 2024;37(1):81-91. doi:10.1002/ca.24091
  • Hicks AL, Kent-Braun J, Ditor DS. Sex differences in human skeletal muscle fatigue. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2001;29(3):109-112. doi:10.1097/ 00003677-200107000-00004
  • Ye S, Jing Q, Wei C, Lu J. Risk factors of non-specific neck pain and low back pain in computer-using office workers in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2017;7(4):e014914. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014914
  • Korhonen T, Ketola R, Toivonen R, Luukkonen R, Häkkänen M, Viikari-Juntura E. Work related and individual predictors for incident neck pain among office employees working with video display units. Occup Environ Med. 2003;60(7):475-482. doi:10.1136/oem.60.7.475
  • Baghi R, Rahnama L, Karimi N, Goodarzi F, Rezasoltani A, Jaberzadeh S. Differential activation of the dorsal neck muscles during a light arm-elevation task in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain and asymptomatic controls: an ultrasonographic study. PM&R. 2017;9(7): 699-706. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.10.020
  • Schomacher J, Falla D. Function and structure of the deep cervical extensor muscles in patients with neck pain. Man Ther. 2013;18(5):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.math.2013.05.009
  • Cagnie B, Dirks R, Schouten M, Parlevliet T, Cambier D, Danneels L. Functional reorganization of cervical flexor activity because of induced muscle pain evaluated by muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging. Man Ther. 2011;16(5):470-475. doi:10.1016/j.math.2011.02.013
  • Schomacher J, Farina D, Lindstroem R, Falla D. Chronic trauma-induced neck pain impairs the neural control of the deep semispinalis cervicis muscle. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012;123(7):1403-1408. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2011.11.033

Alterations in cervical muscles' transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study

Year 2026, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 83 - 89, 05.01.2026

Abstract

Aims: With the advancement of modernization, the prevalence of occupations requiring extensive computer use has markedly increased. The heightened incidence of neck pain observed among individuals engaged in such occupations is thought to be associated with altered activation mechanisms of the cervical musculature. The aim of the present study is to investigate the changes in transverse (T2) relaxation times of cervical muscles after a computer typing task.
Methods: Twenty-seven asymptomatic male students (mean age: 20.41±0.74 years) participated in the study. All participants were instructed to perform a computer-based task, in which they were asked to type the text displayed on the left laptop onto the right laptop as quickly as possible for 20 minutes. MRI scans were performed before and after the task. T2 relaxation times of individual muscles, as well as the ratios between deep and superficial flexor (FT2 ratio) and extensor (ET2 ratio) muscles, were
measured (FT2 ratio=T2-deep flexor muscles/T2-superficial flexor muscles and ET2 ratio=T2 deep extensor muscles/T2-superficial extensor muscles).
Results: After the task, T2 relaxation times of the superficial flexor and extensor muscles increased bilaterally (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the T2 relaxation times of the deep flexor and extensor muscles on either side (p>0.05). Both the FT2 ratio and ET2 ratio decreased bilaterally (p<0.05).
Conclusion: T2 relaxation times of the superficial cervical muscles tended to increase after the typing task. In individuals working in computer-based jobs, such imbalances in cervical muscles following task performance may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders over time. Understanding these early muscle responses in asymptomatic individuals may help inform preventive strategies, including ergonomic adjustments and exercise-based approaches aimed at reducing the risk of future
musculoskeletal problems.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was obtained from Hacettepe University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (dated 10.01.2019 and numbered 2019/01-48).

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. Project Number: 2019-17897.

Thanks

We appreciate Mr. Mustafa Can DELİKANLI for all his help during the MRI processes and Mr. Kaan Semih ŞAVK for all his support about figure visualisations.

References

  • Kazeminasab S, Nejadghaderi SA, Amiri P, et al. Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022; 23(1):26. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4
  • Hurwitz EL, Randhawa K, Yu H, Côté P, Haldeman S. The Global Spine Care Initiative: a summary of the global burden of low back and neck pain studies. Eur Spine J. 2018;27(Suppl 6):796-801. doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5432-9
  • Park JH, Kang SY, Lee SG, Jeon HS. The effects of smart phone gaming duration on muscle activation and spinal posture: pilot study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2017;33(8):661-669. doi:10.1080/09593985.2017.1328716
  • Fang F, Huo F, Feng Y. The effects of dual screen layout on neck-shoulder muscle activity and head-neck posture variability during computer tasks. Work. 2023;76(4):1535-1546. doi:10.3233/WOR-220585
  • Nimbarte AD, Alabdulmohsen RT, Guffey SE, Etherton JR. The impact of use of dual monitor screens on 3d head–neck posture and activity of neck muscles. IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors. 2013;1(1):38-49. doi:10.1080/21577323.2012.667051
  • Sjøgaard G, Lundberg U, Kadefors R. The role of muscle activity and mental load in the development of pain and degenerative processes at the muscle cell level during computer work. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;83 (2-3):99-105. doi:10.1007/s004210000285
  • Falla D, O’Leary S, Fagan A, Jull G. Recruitment of the deep cervical flexor muscles during a postural-correction exercise performed in sitting. Man Ther. 2007;12(2):139-143. doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.06.003
  • Röijezon U, Jull G, Djupsjöbacka M, Salomoni S, Hodges P. Deep and superficial cervical muscles respond differently to unstable motor skill tasks. Hum Mov Sci. 2021;80:102893. doi:10.1016/j.humov.2021.102893
  • Jull G, Sterling M, Falla D, Treleaven J, O'Leary S. Whiplash, headache, and neck pain: research-based directions for physical therapies. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.
  • Jull G, Falla D. Does increased superficial neck flexor activity in the craniocervical flexion test reflect reduced deep flexor activity in people with neck pain? Man Ther. 2016;25:43-47. doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.05.336
  • Cagnie B, O'leary S, Elliott J, Peeters I, Parlevliet T, Danneels L. Pain-induced changes in the activity of the cervical extensor muscles evaluated by muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging. Clin J Pain. 2011;27(5):392-397. doi:10.1097/AJP.0b013e31820e11a2
  • Christensen SWM, Palsson TS, Krebs HJ, Graven-Nielsen T, Hirata RP. Prolonged slumped sitting causes neck pain and increased axioscapular muscle activity during a computer task in healthy participants–a randomized crossover study. Appl Ergon. 2023;110:104020. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104020
  • Johnston V, Jull G, Darnell R, Jimmieson N, Souvlis T. Alterations in cervical muscle activity in functional and stressful tasks in female office workers with neck pain. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008;103(3):253-264. doi:10. 1007/s00421-008-0696-8
  • Falla D, Jull G, O’leary S, Dall’Alba P. Further evaluation of an EMG technique for assessment of the deep cervical flexor muscles. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2006;16(6):621-628. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.10. 003
  • Cagnie B, Elliott J, O'Leary S, D'hooge R, Dickx N, Danneels L. Muscle functional MRI as an imaging tool to evaluate muscle activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(11):896-903. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3586
  • Phua CS, Moffat B, Paul E, et al. Quantitative analysis of MR T2 relaxation times in neck muscles. Magn Reson Imaging. 2023;103:156-161. doi:10.1016/j.mri.2023.07.013
  • Adams GR, Duvoisin MR, Dudley GA. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography as indexes of muscle function. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1992;73(4):1578-1583. doi:10.1152/jappl.1992.73.4.1578
  • Janssen I, Heymsfield SB, Wang Z, Ross R. Skeletal muscle mass and distribution in 468 men and women aged 18–88 yr. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;89(1):81-88. doi:10.1152/jappl.2000.89.1.81
  • Nuzzo JL. Sex differences in skeletal muscle fiber types: a meta‐analysis. Clin Anat. 2024;37(1):81-91. doi:10.1002/ca.24091
  • Hicks AL, Kent-Braun J, Ditor DS. Sex differences in human skeletal muscle fatigue. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2001;29(3):109-112. doi:10.1097/ 00003677-200107000-00004
  • Ye S, Jing Q, Wei C, Lu J. Risk factors of non-specific neck pain and low back pain in computer-using office workers in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2017;7(4):e014914. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014914
  • Korhonen T, Ketola R, Toivonen R, Luukkonen R, Häkkänen M, Viikari-Juntura E. Work related and individual predictors for incident neck pain among office employees working with video display units. Occup Environ Med. 2003;60(7):475-482. doi:10.1136/oem.60.7.475
  • Baghi R, Rahnama L, Karimi N, Goodarzi F, Rezasoltani A, Jaberzadeh S. Differential activation of the dorsal neck muscles during a light arm-elevation task in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain and asymptomatic controls: an ultrasonographic study. PM&R. 2017;9(7): 699-706. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.10.020
  • Schomacher J, Falla D. Function and structure of the deep cervical extensor muscles in patients with neck pain. Man Ther. 2013;18(5):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.math.2013.05.009
  • Cagnie B, Dirks R, Schouten M, Parlevliet T, Cambier D, Danneels L. Functional reorganization of cervical flexor activity because of induced muscle pain evaluated by muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging. Man Ther. 2011;16(5):470-475. doi:10.1016/j.math.2011.02.013
  • Schomacher J, Farina D, Lindstroem R, Falla D. Chronic trauma-induced neck pain impairs the neural control of the deep semispinalis cervicis muscle. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012;123(7):1403-1408. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2011.11.033
There are 26 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Erdi Kayabınar 0000-0002-5720-9425

Nezire Köse 0000-0001-8342-7293

Ceyhun Türkmen 0000-0002-3125-4113

Şafak Parlak Sağol 0000-0002-6028-4653

Ekim Gümeler 0000-0003-3783-2372

Hatice Kader Karlı Oğuz 0000-0002-6404-4403

Submission Date October 27, 2025
Acceptance Date November 27, 2025
Publication Date January 5, 2026
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 9 Issue: 1

Cite

AMA Kayabınar E, Köse N, Türkmen C, Parlak Sağol Ş, Gümeler E, Karlı Oğuz HK. Alterations in cervical muscles’ transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. January 2026;9(1):83-89.

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