Evaluation of Ergonomic Postures of Physical Education and Sport Science by REBA and Its Relation to Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Postural abnormalities of regions predispose individuals to chronic pain. Because of improper position of students, who are growing, the risk of adopting abnormal postures is common. In order to establish appropriate strategies to prevent these impairments, having accurate information about them is necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluation of ergonomic postures of physical education and sport science by REBA and its relation to prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. In the present cross-sectional study, 260 subjects of physical education and sport science were selected randomly and interviewed. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and assessment of postures, we used Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) respectively. Using SPSS IBM 20 software, data were analyzed by chi-square and independent sample t-test. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment results indicated that 40% of participant, equivalent to 104 subjects obtained from 4 to 7 scores (very high risk level). Also, Results of the Nordic questionnaire indicated that the highest musculoskeletal disorder report was related to low back region with 50.8 % and the least common complaints were related to elbows and feet with prevalence rates of 20 and 26%, respectively. It seems that long duration of daily seating and repetitive its and maladjustment of the seat height in proportion were effective factors leading to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among physical education and sport science students of Gazi University-Turkey which was also confirmed by posture assessment results. Timely adjustment of the seat height through designing adjustable seats and following ergonomic principles in school might be useful strategies to reduce prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.