Neck and Upper Extremity Discomfort and Its Relationship with Extent of Computer Usage among University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Technology has played a crucial role in transforming the lives of an individual. The use oftechnology has increased steeply among students. With an abrupt increase in the computer users in a periodof two decades, the musculoskeletal discomfort has risen sharply.Methods: The present study was observational one comprising 107 students in the age group of 20-35years. After taking informed consent, a self structured questionnaire along with Neck disability index andthe disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand scale were used to conduct the study. The data was analyzed usingMicrosoft excel 2007 percentile and coefficient of correlation with significant value p<0.05.Result: The prevalence of neck and upper extremity discomfort was 89.71% among the computer users.Out of this 88.78% subjects complained shoulder discomfort, 14.95% had elbow discomfort and 28.97%had hand/wrist discomfort. Statistically there was no significant relationship of neck disability with hours ofworking per day (r = 0.01, p = 0.89), hours of work last week on typical day (r = -0.08, p = 0.35) and breaktime (r = 0.14, p = 0.13). A statistically non significant relationship was observed for DASH with hours ofworking per day (r = 0.03, p = 0.69), hours of work last week on typical day (r = -0.11, p = 0.25) and breaktime (r =-0.07, p = 0.42).Conclusion: Prevalence of shoulder discomfort was seen more than elbow and hand/wrist among students.