Description
Introduction.The brachioradialis is a critical forearm muscle involved in elbow flexion, particularly in mid-pronation/supination, functioning synergistically with the biceps brachii to stabilize and generate force. Computer users, who engage in repetitive forearm movements and sustained postures, may impose unique ergonomic loads on this muscle. Clinical tests often show the brachioradialis to be weak or inconsistently activated, warranting further investigation.Aim.This study aims to explore the functional characteristics of the brachioradialis muscle in healthy adults, focusing on bilateral strength, muscle activation patterns, and the presence of trigger points, with implications for occupational ergonomics.
Methodology. Twenty-six healthy adults, primarily university students with extensive daily computer use, underwent clinical muscle testing, dynamometry, infrared thermography, and electromyography. Key metrics included maximum and minimum EMG spectrum means, resting-to-maximum spectrum ratios, and dynamometry values. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 28.
Results. The mean maximum muscle strength measured by dynamometry was 169±40.4 N (right) and 175±45.1 N (left). Bilateral strength symmetry was strong (ρ=0.863, p<0.001), but the left side showed stronger associations with activation metrics (r=0.629 vs. r=0.219, resting-to-maximum spectrum ratio). Infrared thermography identified localized hyperthermia points in the right brachioradialis in four individuals, though these points did not significantly impact strength or activation.
Conclusions. The left brachioradialis appears to play a stabilizing role, potentially leading to overuse, while the right engages in more dynamic tasks. These findings emphasize the role of occupational habits in shaping muscle activation and strength. As part of ongoing research, larger and more diverse samples are needed to validate these findings and guide ergonomic interventions.
| Period | 28 Feb 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | 83rd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia 2025 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Conference number | 83 |
| Organiser | University of Latvia |
| Location | Riga, LatviaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |