Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder in sitting professionals

Abstract

Background: Modern workplaces have shifted the nature of occupations from active to sedentary and promote lengthy sitting behaviour. It has been reported that people sit more than 8 hours per day. Musculoskeletal disorders are amongst the main occupational health challenges in today's world and exist in numerous occupations. The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of MSD among sitting professionals.Methods: The study was a cross sectional. The inclusion criterion was both male and females working with desktop/ laptop for more than 4 hours daily for the past one year. The sample size was 100. Subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, informed consent was obtained. The participants were later instructed to fill up the questionnaire.Results: The common prevalence of work related MSD reported during last 12 months based on their body location was; neck 45%, shoulders 5%, upper back 38%, wrist/hand 8%, lower back 52%, knees 23% ankle/feet 4% respectively, where the highest suffered region of the body was lower back. The prevalence of work related MSD reported during last 7 days based on their body locations were neck 32%, upper back 13% and lower back 18% where the highest suffered body part was neck.Conclusions: The study suggested that the prevalence of MSD is there in population who have to sit for a long duration of time, affecting low back and neck regions the most.