A Study to Derive the Impact of Online Classes on Posture among High School Students During COVID

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a shift from traditional classroom education to online classes for high school students globally. However the prolonged use of electronic devices and poor sitting posture during online classes may lead to musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of online classes on neck pain back pain wrist pain and visual strain in high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 high school students in South Bangalore attending online classes. A 15-item questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics online class participation technology utilization and electronic device usage place of study body postures and physical activity. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Results Of the participants 73.6 attended continuous online classes with over 82 of classes lasting for more than 4 hours. Significant associations were found between device use incorrect sitting posture and the prevalence of neck back and wrist pain P lt 0.001. However physical activity did not show a significant correlation with neckback pain P gt 0.001.Conclusion High school students attending continuous online classes reported experiencing neck back wrist and visual strain due to prolonged device use and incorrect sitting postures. Students need to maintain correct posture during online classes to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort.nbsp