Static and dynamic shoulder stabilizer adaptations in javelin throwers: A preliminary study

BACKGROUND: Adaptations to Internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator shoulder muscles improving overhead throwing kinematics could lead to muscular strength imbalances and be considered an intrinsic risk factor for shoulder injury, as well as modified shoulder range of motion (RoM). OBJECTIVE: To establish profiles of internal and external rotation RoM and isokinetic IR and ER strength in adolescent- and national-level javelin throwers. METHODS: Fourteen healthy subjects were included in this preliminary cross-sectional study, 7 javelin throwers (JTG) and 7 nonathletes (CG). Passive internal and external rotation RoM were measured at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction. Isokinetic strength of dominant and non-dominant IR and ER was evaluated during concentric (60, 120 and 240 degrees/s) and eccentric (60 degrees/s) contractions by Con-Trex (R) dynamometer with the subject in a seated position with 45 degrees of shoulder abduction in the scapular plane. RESULTS: We reported significantly lower internal rotation and significantly higher external rotation RoM in JTG than in CG. Concentric and eccentric IR and ER strength were significantly higher for the dominant shoulder side in JTG (P < 0.05), without significant differences in ER/IR ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this preliminary study confirmed static and dynamic shoulder stabilizer adaptations due to javelin throw practice in a population of adolescent- and national-level javelin throwers.

Shoulder strength imbalances as injury risk in handball.

This study was conducted to analyze whether internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator shoulder muscles weakness and/or imbalance collected through a preseason assessment could be predictors of subsequent shoulder injury during a season in handball players. In preseason, 16 female elite handball players (HPG) and 14 healthy female nonathletes (CG) underwent isokinetic IR and ER strength test with use of a Con-Trex® dynamometer in a seated position with 45° shoulder abduction in scapular plane, at 60, 120 and 240°/s in concentric and at 60°/s in eccentric, for both sides. An imbalanced muscular strength profile was determined using -statistically selected cut-offs from CG values. For HPG, all newly incurred shoulder injuries were reported during the season. There were significant differences between HPG and CG only for dominant eccentric IR strength, ER/IR ratio at 240°/s and for IRecc/ERcon ratio. In HPG, IR and ER strength was higher, and ER/IR ratios lower for dominant than for nondominant side. The relative risk was 2.57 (95%CI: 1.60-3.54; P<0.05) if handball players had an imbalanced muscular strength profile. In youth female handball players IR and ER muscle strength increases on the dominant side without ER/IR imbalances; and higher injury risk was associated with imbalanced muscular strength profile.

Cardiovascular and metabolic responses during isokinetic shoulder rotators strength testing in healthy subjects

Background: Although there have been many studies on isokinetic shoulder exercises in evaluation and rehabilitation programs, the cardiovascular and metabolic responses of those modes of muscle strength exercises have been poorly investigated. Objective: To analyze cardiovascular and metabolic responses during a standardized test used to study the internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators maximal isokinetic strength. Methods: Four days after an incremental exercise test on cycle ergometer, ten healthy subjects performed an isokinetic shoulder strength evaluation with cardiovascular (Heart rate, HR) and metabolic gas exchange (&Vdot;O_{2}) analysis. The IR and ER isokinetic strength, measured in seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction in scapular plane, was evaluated concentrically at 60, 120 and 240°/s and eccentrically at 60°/s, for both shoulder sides. An endurance test with 30 repetitions at 240°/s was performed at the end of each shoulder side testing. Results: There was a significant increase of mean HR with isokinetic exercise (P< 0.05). Increases of HR was 42-71% over the resting values. During endurance testing, increases of HR was 77-105% over the resting values, and corresponded to 85-86% of the maximal HR during incremental test. Increase of &Vdot;O_{2} during isokinetic exercises was from 6-11 ml/min/kg to 20-43 ml/min/kg. Conclusion: This study performed significant cardiovascular and metabolic responses to isokinetic exercise of rotators shoulder muscles. A warm-up should be performed before maximal high-intensity isokinetic shoulder testing. Our results indicated that observation and supervision are important during testing and/or training sessions, especially in subjects with risk for cardiovascular disorders.

PHRENIC NERVE TRANSFER IN THE RESTORATION OF ELBOW FLEXION IN BRACHIAL PLEXUS AVULSION INJURIES: HOW EFFECTIVE AND SAFE IS IT?

OBJECTIVE: Phrenic nerve transfer has been used for treating lesions of the brachial plexus since 1970. Although, today, surgeons are more experienced with the technique, there are still widespread concerns about its effects on pulmonary function. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. METHODS: Fourteen patients with complete palsy of the upper limb were submitted to phrenic nerve transfer as part of a strategy for surgical reconstruction of their plexuses. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and 2 patients were followed for less than 2 years. Of the remaining 10 patients, 9 (90%) were male. The lesions affected both sides equally. The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (range, 14-43 years), and the mean interval from injury to surgery was 6 months (range, 3-9 months). The phrenic nerve was always transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve, and a nerve graft (mean length, 8 cm; range, 4.5-12 cm) was necessary in all cases. RESULTS: There was no major complication related to the surgery. Seven patients (70%) recovered functional level biceps strength (Medical Research Council grade >= 3). All of the patients exhibited a transient decrease in pulmonary function tests, but without clinical respiratory problems. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our small series and data from the literature, we conclude that phrenic nerve transfer in well-selected patients is a safe and effective procedure for recovering biceps function.

Estudo dos rácios trapézio inferior/ trapézio superior e grande dentado/ trapézio superior, em exercícios com envolvimento das articulações escapulo-torácica e gleno-umeral : recurso à electromiografia de superfície

RESUMO: Introdução: A estabilidade dinâmica relativa ao complexo articular do ombro depende de uma interacção perfeita entre músculos da coifa dos rotadores e músculos escapulares, como o binómio rotador da escápula – trapézio superior e trapézio inferior e o grande dentado. A compreensão dessas sinergias musculares em sujeitos assintomáticos permite, em última instância, o desenvolvimento de linhas orientadoras de raciocínio na abordagem clínica. Objectivo: Estudar o rácio de activação entre os músculos trapézio inferior e trapézio superior e entre grande dentado e trapézio superior, através de um conjunto de cinco exercícios aplicados a uma amostra de sujeitos assintomáticos, estabelecendo uma hierarquia entre esses rácios. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com uma amostra de 15 sujeitos saudáveis (n=9 homens; n=6 mulheres), com idades compreendidas entre os 19 e 27 anos (média=21 anos, dp=2,24), tendo sido avaliados por um sistema de electromiografia de superfície, em dois momentos de recolha diferentes. Os exercícios foram realizados em cadeia cinética aberta, sem qualquer aplicação de resistências externas. Resultados: De entre os exercícios analisados com envolvimento escapulo-torácico e gleno-umeral simultaneamente, destacaram-se com melhor rácio trapézio inferior/trapézio superior e grande dentado/trapézio superior (activação dos músculos trapézio inferior e grande dentado superior à activação do trapézio superior) os movimentos de flexão do ombro até aos 90º no plano sagital e a abdução do ombro até aos 90º no plano da escápula, considerando ambas as recolhas. Nos exercícios apenas com envolvimento escapulotorácico, destacaram-se com melhor rácio os movimentos de adução e depressão das escápulas bilateralmente com os membros superiores em repouso, seguido da abdução da escápula, com o ombro a 90º de flexão e mantendo a escápula em depressão (“murro à frente”), em ambas as recolhas. O exercício de abdução do ombro até aos 90º no plano frontal obteve sempre o pior rácio muscular, nos dois momentos de recolha. Conclusões: O presente trabalho estudou as interacções dos músculos escapulotorácicos em cinco exercícios realizados até aos 90º de elevação do membro superior,em cadeia cinética aberta e sem recurso a resistências externas. Será, eventualmente possível, enquadrar os exercícios propostos nas fases de consciencialização e associação de reaprendizagem motora. Sugerem-se futuros estudos com uso de análise cinemática. --------------------ABSTRACT: Introduction: Stability of the shoulder and scapula depend upon a perfect interaction between rotator cuff of the shoulder and scapular muscles, such as upper and lower trapezius and serratus anterior. A deeper comprehension of these synergies in healthy subjects allows, ultimately, the development of a better reasoning in the clinical approach. Goal: To study the ratios between lower trapezius/ upper trapezius and between serratus anterior/ upper trapezius in five different exercises, applied to healthy subjects, presenting a hierarchy between ratios. Methods: It’s an observational descriptive study including 15 healthy subjects (n= 9 men; n=6 women) with ages between 19 and 27 years (mean of 21 years, SD of 2,24). Surface electromyography was used in two different recording moments. All the exercises were performed in open kinetic chain, without external resistance. Results: Of the exercises studied that involved the shoulder and scapula together, the best ratios between lower trapezius/upper trapezius and serratus anterior/ upper trapezius (greater activity for lower trapezius and serratus anterior and less for upper trapezius) were found in shoulder flexion to 90º and in shoulder abduction to 90º in the plane of the scapula, in both recording moments. Considering the exercises that included only the scapula, the best ratio were found in bilateral adduction and depression of the scapula with the upper limbs resting and in abduction of the scapula, while being in depression, with the shoulder flexed at 90º, considering both recordings. Shoulder abduction to 90º in the coronal plane presented the worse ratio in both recording moments. Conclusions: This present paper studied the interaction of the scapula upward rotator muscles in five exercises performed below 90º of shoulder flexion or abduction, in open kinetic chain, with no external resistance. It may be possible to associate our exercises with the motor learning phases of association and consciousness. Future studies are suggested with kinematic analysis.

Isokinetic rotator muscles fatigue in glenohumeral joint instability before and after Latarjet surgery: a pilot prospective study.

We aimed to analyze the changes in isokinetic internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator muscles fatigue (a) in patients with non-operated recurrent anterior instability, and (b) before and after shoulder surgical stabilization with the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. Thirty-seven patients with non-operated unilateral recurrent anterior post-traumatic instability (NG) were compared with 12 healthy subjects [control group (CG)]. Twenty patients with operated recurrent anterior instability group (OG) underwent isokinetic evaluation before and 3, 6, and 21 months after Bristow-Latarjet surgery. IR and ER muscles strength was evaluated with Con-Trex® dynamometer, with subjects seated and at a 45° shoulder abduction angle in scapular plane. IR and ER muscle fatigue was determined after 10 concentric repetitions at 180° · s(-1) through the fatigue index, the percent decrease in performance (DP), and the slope of peak torque decrease. There were no differences in rotator muscles fatigue between NG and CG. In OG, 3 months post-surgery, IR DP of operated shoulder was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than presurgery and 6 and 21 months post-surgery. Rotator muscles fatigability was not associated with recurrent anterior instability. After surgical stabilization, there was a significantly higher IR fatigability in the operated shoulder 3 months post-surgery, followed by recovery evidenced 6 months post-surgery and long-term maintenance over 21 months.

Recovery of rotators strength after latarjet surgery.

The purposes of this study were to prospectively determine changes in rotator cuff strength before and after surgical shoulder stabilization by Bristow-Latarjet procedure and to better estimate time needed for rotator cuff strength recovery. 20 patients with recurrent anterior posttraumatic shoulder dislocation underwent internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator isokinetic evaluation before and 3, 6 and 21 months after Bristow-Latarjet surgery. In a seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction in the scapular plane, both shoulders were evaluated concentrically with a Con-Trex® isokinetic dynamometer at 180°∙s - 1, 120°∙s - 1 and 60°∙s - 1. 3 months post-surgery, IR and ER strength of the operated shoulder were significantly lower than before surgery ( - 28±20% for IR, - 17±17% for ER) (P<0.05). At 6 and 21 months post-surgery, IR and ER strength were comparable to strength before surgery; strength recovery is seen at 6 months post-surgery with long-term maintenance at 21 months. Given the weakness 3 months post-surgery, return to sports (including overhead and contact sports) should be discussed, and 6 months post-surgery may be a better point for an athlete to resume practicing sports. Isokinetic rotator cuff strength evaluation appears to be relevant in helping to determine the need of continuing strength rehabilitation. Pre-surgical evaluation contributes to the relevance of later comparisons.

3D movement and muscle activity patterns in a violin bowing task

Objective: Overuse injuries in violinists are a problem that has been primarily analyzed through the use of questionnaires. Simultaneous 3D motion analysis and EMG to measure muscle activity has been suggested as a quantitative technique to explore this problem by identifying movement patterns and muscular demands which may predispose violinists to overuse injuries. This multi-disciplinary analysis technique has, so far, had limited use in the music world. The purpose of this study was to use it to characterize the demands of a violin bowing task. Subjects: Twelve injury-free violinists volunteered for the study. The subjects were assigned to a novice or expert group based on playing experience, as determined by questionnaire. Design and Settings: Muscle activity and movement patterns were assessed while violinists played five bowing cycles (one bowing cycle = one down-bow + one up-bow) on each string (G, D, A, E), at a pulse of 4 beats per bow and 100 beats per minute. Measurements: An upper extremity model created using coordinate data from markers placed on the right acromion process, lateral epicondyle of the humerus and ulnar styloid was used to determine minimum and maximum joint angles, ranges of motion (ROM) and angular velocities at the shoulder and elbow of the bowing arm. Muscle activity in right anterior deltoid, biceps brachii and triceps brachii was assessed during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and during the playing task. Data were analysed for significant differences across the strings and between experience groups. Results: Elbow flexion/extension ROM was similar across strings for both groups. Shoulder flexion/extension ROM increaslarger for the experts. Angular velocity changes mirrored changes in ROM. Deltoid was the most active of the muscles assessed (20% MVC) and displayed a pattern of constant activation to maintain shoulder abduction. Biceps and triceps were less active (4 - 12% MVC) and showed a more periodic 'on and off pattern. Novices' muscle activity was higher in all cases. Experts' muscle activity showed a consistent pattern across strings, whereas the novices were more irregular. The agonist-antagonist roles of biceps and triceps during the bowing motion were clearly defined in the expert group, but not as apparent in the novice group. Conclusions: Bowing movement appears to be controlled by the shoulder rather than the elbow as shoulder ROM changed across strings while elbow ROM remained the same. Shoulder injuries are probably due to repetition as the muscle activity required for the movement is small. Experts require a smaller amount of muscle activity to perform the movement, possibly due to more efficient muscle activation patterns as a result of practice. This quantitative multidisciplinary approach to analysing violinists' movements can contribute to fuller understanding of both playing demands and injury mechanisms .

Compensatory Arm Reactions in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

This study examined how perturbation-evoked compensatory arm reactions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are influenced by explicit verbal instruction. Ten individuals with PD and 15 older adults without PD responded to surface translations with or without specific instruction to reach for and grasp the handrail. Electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic recordings were taken from the reaching arm. Results showed that individuals with and without PD benefitted similarly from explicit instruction. Explicit instruction resulted in earlier (p=0.005) and larger (p<0.001) medial deltoid EMG responses in comparison to no specific instructions. Compensatory arm reactions also occurred with a higher peak medio-lateral wrist velocity (p<0.001) and higher peak shoulder abduction angular velocity (p<0.001) with explicit instruction. Explicit instruction positively influenced compensatory arm reactions in individuals with and without PD. Future research is needed to determine whether the benefits of instruction persist over time and translate to a loss of balance in real life.

Efeito do treinamento resistido na pressão arterial e capacidade funcional de idosas hipertensas

The results of studies about the ideal resistance training intensity for reduction of resting blood pressure levels, as well as this type of training to increase the functional capacity of hypertensive older women are still unclear, since the few investigations usually analyze young individuals normotensive, and the literature lacks precise information in elderly hypertensive subjects. Objectives: To determine the effect of two resistance training intensities on resting blood pressure and the effect of resistance training on functional capacity in elderly women with systemic arterial hypertension, analyzing these variables before and after eight weeks of intervention. Methods: Patients underwent eight weeks of resistance training, with a frequency of three times per week on alternate days, in the afternoon. The exercises performed were: leg press, bench press, knee extension, lat pull-down, knee flexion, shoulder abduction, standing cable hip abduction and biceps curl. Results: It was found that patients who underwent training with moderate resistance, showed a reduction on resting values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) p<0.03 and of mean arterial pressure (MAP) p<0.03. Patients who underwent mild resistance training showed reduction in resting values of MAP (p<0.03) and a tendency to decrease in DBP (p<0.06). With regard to functional capacity, the results showed significant increase in the strength of arms and legs, agility and aerobic endurance (p<0.001) and maintaining flexibility (p>0.05). Conclusion: The data indicated that both mild and moderate resistance training, even when started in old age, promoted cardiovascular benefits and also improve the functional capacity of hypertensive older women.

Efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, capacidade funcional e força muscular periférica na DPOC

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influence of the resistance training on heart rate variability, functional capacity and muscle strength in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with the strength and resistance decreasing in addition to the dysfunction on autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aerobic training isolated or in association with the resistance training showed evidence of beneficial effects on an autonomic modulation of COPD; however, there are no studies addressing the effect of isolated resistance training.Aims. This study aims at investigating the influence of resistance training on an autonomic modulation through heart rate variability (HRV), functional capacity and muscle strength in individuals with COPD.Design. Clinical series study.Setting. Outpatients.Population. The study involved 13 individuals with COPD.Methods. The experimental protocol was composed by an initial and final evaluation that consisted in autonomic evaluations (HRV), cardiopulmonary functional capacity evaluation (6-minute walk test) and strength evaluation (dynamometry) in addition by the resistance training performed by 24 sessions lasted 60 minutes each one and on a frequency of three times a week. The intensity was determined initially with 60% of one maximum repetition and was progressively increased in each five sessions until 80%.Results. The HRV temporal and spectral indexes analysis demonstrates improvement of autonomic modulation, with significant statistical increases to sympathetic and parasympathetic components of ANS representing by SDNN, LF and HF. In addition, it was observed significant statistical increases to shoulder abduction and. knee flexion strength and functional capacity.Conclusion. The exclusive resistance training performed was able to positively influence the autonomic modulation; in addition it promoted benefits on cardiorespiratory functional capacity and strength benefits in individuals with COPD.Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. This study could contribute to clinical and professionals researchers that act with COPD, even though the resistance component of pulmonary rehabilitation presents consensual benefits on several healthy indicators parameters. There is no evidence about the effects on HRV before. Moreover, this study showed, on clinical practice, the HRV uses as an ANS activity on sinus node evaluation and highlights further importance on scientific context.

Can geometric indices of heart rate variability predict improvement in autonomic modulation after resistance training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with autonomic dysfunctions that can be evaluated through heart rate variability (HRV). Resistance training promotes improvement in autonomic modulation; however, studies that evaluate this scenario using geometric indices, which include nonlinear evaluation, thus providing more accurate information for physiological interpretation of HRV, are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of resistance training on autonomic modulation, using geometric indices of HRV, and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with COPD. Fourteen volunteers with COPD were submitted to resistance training consisting of 24 sessions lasting 60 min each, with a frequency of three times a week. The intensity was determined as 60% of one maximum repetition and was progressively increased until 80% for the upper and lower limbs. The HRV and dynamometry were performed at two moments, the beginning and the end of the experimental protocol. Significant increases were observed in the RRtri (4·81 ± 1·60 versus 6·55 ± 2·69, P = 0·033), TINN (65·36 ± 35·49 versus 101·07 ± 63·34, P = 0·028), SD1 (7·48 ± 3·17 versus 11·04 ± 6·45, P = 0·038) and SD2 (22·30 ± 8·56 versus 32·92 ± 18·78, P = 0·022) indices after the resistance training. Visual analysis of the Poincare plot demonstrated greater dispersion beat-to-beat and in the long-term interval between consecutive heart beats. Regarding muscle strength, there was a significant increase in the shoulder abduction and knee flexion. In conclusion, geometric indices of HRV can predict improvement in autonomic modulation after resistance training in individuals with COPD; improvement in peripheral muscle strength in patients with COPD was also observed.

Biomeccanica del servizio e del diritto nel tennis: confronto fra atleti di livello di gioco differente

Il tennis è uno sport molto diffuso che negli ultimi trent’anni ha subito molti cambiamenti. Con l’avvento di nuovi materiali più leggeri e maneggevoli la velocità della palla è aumentata notevolmente, rendendo così necessario una modifica a livello tecnico dei colpi fondamentali. Dalla ricerca bibliografica sono emerse interessanti indicazioni su angoli e posizioni corporee ideali da mantenere durante le varie fasi dei colpi, confrontando i giocatori di altissimo livello. Non vi sono invece indicazioni per i maestri di tennis su quali siano i parametri più importanti da allenare a seconda del livello di gioco del proprio atleta. Lo scopo di questa tesi è quello di individuare quali siano le variabili tecniche che influenzano i colpi del diritto e del servizio confrontando atleti di genere differente, giocatori di livello di gioco diverso (esperti, intermedi, principianti) e dopo un anno di attività programmata. Confrontando giocatori adulti di genere diverso, è emerso che le principali differenze sono legate alle variabili di prestazione (velocità della palla e della racchetta) per entrambi i colpi. Questi dati sono simili a quelli riscontrati nel test del lancio della palla, un gesto non influenzato dalla tecnica del colpo. Le differenze tecniche di genere sono poco rilevanti ed attribuibili alla diversa interpretazione dei soggetti. Nel confronto di atleti di vario livello di gioco le variabili di prestazione presentano evidenti differenze, che possono essere messe in relazione con alcune differenze tecniche rilevate nei gesti specifici. Nel servizio i principianti tendono a direzionare l’arto superiore dominante verso la zona bersaglio, abducendo maggiormente la spalla ed avendo il centro della racchetta più a destra rispetto al polso. Inoltre, effettuano un caricamento minore degli arti inferiori, del tronco e del gomito. Per quanto riguarda il diritto si possono evidenziare queste differenze: l’arto superiore è sempre maggiormente esteso per il gruppo dei principianti; il tronco, nei giocatori più abili viene utilizzato in maniera più marcata, durante la fase di caricamento, in movimenti di torsione e di inclinazione laterale. Gli altri due gruppi hanno maggior difficoltà nell’eseguire queste azioni preparatorie, in particolare gli atleti principianti. Dopo un anno di attività programmata sono stati evidenziati miglioramenti prestativi. Anche dal punto di vista tecnico sono state notate delle differenze che possono spiegare il miglioramento della performance nei colpi. Nel servizio l’arto superiore si estende maggiormente per colpire la palla più in alto possibile. Nel diritto sono da sottolineare soprattutto i miglioramenti dei movimenti del tronco in torsione ed in inclinazione laterale. Quindi l’atleta si avvicina progressivamente ad un’esecuzione tecnica corretta. In conclusione, dal punto di vista tecnico non sono state rilevate grosse differenze tra i due generi che possano spiegare le differenze di performance. Perciò questa è legata più ad un fattore di forza che dovrà essere allenata con un programma specifico. Nel confronto fra i vari livelli di gioco e gli effetti di un anno di pratica si possono individuare variabili tecniche che mostrano differenze significative tra i gruppi sperimentali. Gli evoluti utilizzano tutto il corpo per effettuare dei colpi più potenti, utilizzando in maniera tecnicamente più valida gli arti inferiori, il tronco e l’arto superiore. I principianti utilizzano prevalentemente l’arto superiore con contributi meno evidenti degli altri segmenti. Dopo un anno di attività i soggetti esaminati hanno dimostrato di saper utilizzare meglio il tronco e l’arto superiore e ciò può spiegare il miglioramento della performance. Si può ipotizzare che, per il corretto utilizzo degli arti inferiori, sia necessario un tempo più lungo di apprendimento oppure un allenamento più specifico.

Children's Postures While Playing at Computer Workstations

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the costs associated with these are predicted to increase as the popularity of computer use increases at home, school and work. Risk factors have been identified in the adult population but little is known about the risk factors for children and youth. Research has demonstrated that they are not immune to this risk and that they are self reporting the same pain as adults. The purpose of the study was to examine children’s postures while working at computer workstations under two conditions. One was at an ergonomically adjusted children’s workstation while the second was at an average adult workstation. A Polhemus Fastrak™ system was used to record the children’s postures and joint and segment angles were quantified. Results of the study showed that children reported more discomfort and effort at the adult workstation. Segment and joint angles showed significant differences through the upper limb at the adult workstation. Of significance was the strategy of shoulder abduction and flexion that the children used in order to place their hand on the mouse. Ulnar deviation was also greater at the adult workstation as was neck extension. All of these factors have been identified in the literature as increasing the risk for injury. A comparison of the children’s posture while playing at the children’s workstation verses the adult workstation, showed that the postural angles assumed by the children at an adult workstation exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) recommendations. Further investigation is needed to increase our knowledge of MSD in children as their potential for long term damage has yet to be determined.