Association Between Sitting Position and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Medical Students During Study from Home

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, learning at educational institutions continued, even though it is carried out online. Limited learning facilities affect the sitting position of students, increasing the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, especially in the lower extremities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sitting position and musculoskeletal disorders in some parts of the lower extremities. It was quantitative, analytical observational, with a cross-sectional design study. Respondents are students at one of the medical faculty in West Java and includes 158 people. Data collection was carried out in 2020. The sitting position category was determined based on observation of the results of taking photographs while studying, and musculoskeletal complaints in 12 areas of the lower extremities were determined based on filling out the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire. The data was analysed by Chi Square using SPPS 20 software. Results showed that most of the respondents sit in a certain position using a special chair and desk for studying. The knee of the respondent is mostly in a flexed position. Most respondents felt lower extremity musculoskeletal complaints in the buttocks and lower buttocks. There is an association between sitting position and musculoskeletal complaints in the knees, calves, and ankles. The ergonomic sitting position helps reduce musculoskeletal complaints in various parts of the body, including the lower extremities.
 Keywords: lower extremity, medical students, musculoskeletal disorders, sitting position