Motor strategies during meat cutting tasks in simulated and real environment

Butcher work often involves static and repetitive loads to the neck and shoulder that can lead to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Motor strategies were assessed by recordings discomfort/pain intensity, work task timing, cutting forces, surface electromyographic and 3D kinematics in both laboratory and field settings. Novice butchers developing discomfort or shoulder pain are characterized by a motor strategy that can predispose them to develop WMSD. The motor strategies are changed in presence of discomfort and shoulder pain. These changes underlined the role of the known physical risk factors as well as the importance of motor variability.