Influence of ergonomics of schoolchildren’s workplaces on the occurrence of musculoskeletal discomfort

Abstract

Intriduction. Purpose of the study - is to evaluate the influence of ergonomic parameters of modern educational environment workplaces on the manifestation of musculoskeletal discomfort in adolescents. Materials and methods. The conformity of the size of the working places at school to the anthropometric parameters of adolescents was assessed, the goniometric parameters of the working postures were evaluated, presence of musculoskeletal discomfort was studied using an adapted version of the Nordic Questionnaire, and associated factors during the questionnaire. Results. There were revealed discrepancies between the size of the school educational furniture and the anthropometric data of adolescents, the presence of deviations from the recommended ranges for the goniometric indicators of the working postures of adolescents at school. There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among adolescents. The results of the influence of an irrational working posture on the manifestation of musculoskeletal discomfort among adolescents have been obtained. Limitations. The study included groups of 10-11 years and 15-16 years adolescents. The questionnaire method was used to assess the manifestations of musculoskeletal discomfort, with no study of musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents. The study was cross-sectional in nature. Conclusion. to prevent posture disorders and manifestations of musculoskeletal discomfort, it is important to teach adolescents ergonomic principles, the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, and the preservation of a rational working posture in school activities.