Faeze Sarraf, Ali Safari Variani, Sakineh Varmazyar,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Using backpacks has arisen complaints regarding musculoskeletal pains among students. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between demographic information and bag weight with Neck Disability Index (NDI), angles and head and neck postures among students.
Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 students who were selected randomly. Demographic information and NDI questionnaires were used for data collection. The head and neck tilt angles and the amount of change in the forward head posture were determined using the photogrammetry method and Kinovea software.
Results: A negative and significant correlation was observed between head tilt angle with age (r = - 0.27) and neck tilt angle with body mass index (r = - 0.37). Also, a positive and significant correlation was observed between the amount of change in the forward head posture and body weight (r = 0.24). The head tilt angle was significantly different in male and female students at different educational levels. NDI (r = 0.23) and neck tilt angle (r = 0.26) also increased significantly with increasing bag weight.
Conclusion: Reviewing the standard weight of bag and changing the lifestyle can play an important role in improving the head and neck angles and postures.
Marzieh Mohammadi, Zeinab Kazemi, Marzieh Izadi Laybidi, Mohammad Sadegh Ghasemi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Operating room personnel are involved with occupational physical activities such as repetitive bending, holding surgical tools and standing for long hours that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent and costly problem among these disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between occupational physical activity, LBP and disability among operating room personnel.
Material and Methods: A total of 60 operating room personnel voluntarily participated in the study, all of which had at least two years of working experience. At the end of a working week, the degree of disability and pain were assessed by Graded Chronic Pain (GCP) questionnaire. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate the level of physical activity. Simple linear regression was conducted to investigate the relationship between physical activity, LBP and disability.
Results: The survey using the GCP questionnaire revealed that 58.3% of participants reported experiencing occupational back pain, while 41.7% reported no back pain. Among those with back pain, the average pain intensity was rated 43.11 (18.22) on the scale. Pain remained stable for an average of 2.3 days (standard deviation = 0.95). The average level of disability associated with back pain was 32.09 (27.44). Statistical analysis using simple linear regression showed a significant relationship between back pain and several factors: vigorous physical activity (p-value = 0.02), prolonged sitting time (p-value = 0.01), and chronic pain (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: Occupational physical activity characterized by low intensity, but high repetition and standing for a long time in fixed postures were the most significant contributors to lumbar back pain among operating room personnel. Chronic pain in this population was reported as grade 2, indicating severe pain with minimal disability; if left unaddressed, this could lead to movement restrictions.
