Impact of Prolonged Sitting Posture on Prevalence of Musculo-Skeletal Disorders among College-going Female Students in Bengaluru City

Abstract

Young female students attending lectures in college experience musculoskeletal pains owing to
strenuous academic activities, adopting poor seated postures over prolonged duration in a mismatched
ergonomic environment. This can lead to incidence of work related Musculo skeletal Disorders (MSDs) that
are progressive and impedes regular routines of students. The situation deteriorates during the university
examination period as they are forced to sit for extended hours in designated seat without fidgeting. Crosssectional

study was conducted in Higher Educational Institutes of Bengaluru during the period of university
semester examinations (USE) to estimate the prevalence of MSDs among college going females. Adapted
version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was administered among 150 college going female students
(random sampling) aged between 17-22years. Pain experienced in different anatomical parts prior to and after
the USE were collected and compared. MSDs were prevalent in 74% of the sample. Significant proportion of
2
nd
years (44%), from Sciences programs (50%), Undergraduates (49.3%), and Karnataka natives (51.3%)
indicated MSD symptoms. Study projected significant differences between BMI and MSDs developed in
sample. Musculoskeletal pain was registered in neck (46%), in shoulder (40%), upper forearm (38%), Upper
back (46%) and Lower back (48%) by the sample. More than one fifth of sample developed pain in their
waist, buttocks, elbows, lower arm, wrist, hands and lower body parts. Manifestations of pain were
significantly different in all body parts before and after USE (p<0.05). Study draws attention to prevalence of
MSDs owing to prolonged sitting posture amongst female youth. Reducing static work durations, providing
ergonomic work spaces are vital for female student’s health that has a long way to go.