Neck postures in air traffic controllers with and without neck/shoulder disorders

Prolonged computer work with an extended neck is commonly believed to be associated with an increased risk of neck–shoulder disorders. The aim of this study was to compare neck postures during computer work between female cases with neck–shoulder disorders, and healthy referents. Based on physical examinations, 13 cases and 11 referents were selected among 70 female air traffic controllers with the same computer-based work tasks and identical workstations. Postures and movements were measured by inclinometers, placed on the forehead and upper back (C7/Th1) during authentic air traffic control. A recently developed method was applied to assess flexion/extension in the neck, calculated as the difference between head and upper back flexion/extension. Results: cases and referents did not differ significantly in neck posture (median neck flexion/extension: −10° vs. −9°; p=0.9). Hence, the belief that neck extension posture is associated with neck–shoulder disorders in computer work is not supported by the present data.