Association of Work-related posture and stress with Scapular dyskinesis among Computer professionals

Abstract

Abnormal stress due to poor posture and work environment are contributing factors in musculoskeletal adaptations resulting in problems like neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, etc. The scapula plays several roles in facilitating optimal shoulder function and it is very important for the function of the upper extremity. Thereby impact of work-related posture & stress on computer professionals with scapular dyskinesis should be established. 350 male computer professionals (Mean Age = 34.89±8.51 years) following written informed consent were recruited from IT companies and volunteered for this study. Computer professionals involved in fieldwork, with BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2 , having congenital postural deformities, undergone neck/shoulder surgeries were excluded from the study. Each professional was examined for scapular dyskinesis using Kibler’s rating system (Yes/No method). Professionals were then examined for Work related posture using - Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) & Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and perception of stress during work [Perceived stress scale (PSS)]. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the association was analyzed using chi-square and bivariate logistic regression. (Level of significance p<0.05). In the present study, 78% (n = 273) of computer professionals were found to have scapular dyskinesis. Assessment using ROSA indicated 56.3% (n= 197, χ² (1, n=350) =11.0, p=0.004] [(OR = 0.54; p=0.01)] computer professionals have moderate risk, 15.1% (n=53) have mild and 6.6% (n=23) have a moderate risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Similarly, the RULA scale assessment highlighted 66% [(n=231, χ² (1, n=350) =11.3, p=0.045] [OR =0.87; p=0.28)] computer professionals having poor posture, 7.2% (n=25) with worst posture and only 4.8% (n=17) having mild deviation. Perception of stress during work was low in 4.3% (n=15), moderate in 67.1% [(n=235, χ² (1, n=350) =2.5, p=0.27][(Exp(B)=0.95; p=0.04)]) and high in 23% (n=23) computer professionals. The present study concluded that computer professionals with scapular dyskinesis represent poor posture and have a moderate risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders along with moderate stress while working on computers.