Research Article

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

Volume: 9 Number: 1 January 5, 2026
TR EN

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

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.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

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

Ethical Statement

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

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

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 5, 2026

Submission Date

October 27, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Kayabınar, E., Köse, N., Türkmen, C., Parlak Sağol, Ş., Gümeler, E., & Karlı Oğuz, H. K. (2026). Alterations in cervical muscles’ transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, 9(1), 83-89. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1811752
AMA
1.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. 2026;9(1):83-89. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1811752
Chicago
Kayabınar, Erdi, Nezire Köse, Ceyhun Türkmen, Şafak Parlak Sağol, Ekim Gümeler, and Hatice Kader Karlı Oğuz. 2026. “Alterations in Cervical Muscles’ Transverse Relaxation Times After a Computer Typing Task: A Quasi-Experimental, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 (1): 83-89. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1811752.
EndNote
Kayabınar E, Köse N, Türkmen C, Parlak Sağol Ş, Gümeler E, Karlı Oğuz HK (January 1, 2026) Alterations in cervical muscles’ transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 1 83–89.
IEEE
[1]E. Kayabınar, N. Köse, C. Türkmen, Ş. Parlak Sağol, E. Gümeler, and H. K. Karlı Oğuz, “Alterations in cervical muscles’ transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study”, J Health Sci Med / JHSM, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 83–89, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1811752.
ISNAD
Kayabınar, Erdi - Köse, Nezire - Türkmen, Ceyhun - Parlak Sağol, Şafak - Gümeler, Ekim - Karlı Oğuz, Hatice Kader. “Alterations in Cervical Muscles’ Transverse Relaxation Times After a Computer Typing Task: A Quasi-Experimental, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9/1 (January 1, 2026): 83-89. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1811752.
JAMA
1.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. 2026;9:83–89.
MLA
Kayabınar, Erdi, et al. “Alterations in Cervical Muscles’ Transverse Relaxation Times After a Computer Typing Task: A Quasi-Experimental, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 83-89, doi:10.32322/jhsm.1811752.
Vancouver
1.Erdi Kayabınar, Nezire Köse, Ceyhun Türkmen, Şafak Parlak Sağol, Ekim Gümeler, Hatice Kader Karlı Oğuz. Alterations in cervical muscles’ transverse relaxation times after a computer typing task: a quasi-experimental, magnetic resonance imaging study. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026 Jan. 1;9(1):83-9. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1811752

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