Analysis of workstation posture in diversified professionals as a tool to enhance better understanding of health outcomes to avoid occupational health hazards

Introduction: Wrong postures change the body mechanics, causing pressure on joint surfaces, strain to ligaments, and skeletal muscle disadvantage. Simple faulty posture is one of the main reasons for musculoskeletal pain, especially back pain and neck pain. Based on the understanding that aberrations in posture can cause pain and injury, training and education for posture correction through training have been used as treatment approaches. The intent of the present study was to analyze posture and the severity of postural abnormalities using plumb line and to identify if these abnormalities are associated with pain among professionals. Material and Methods: The posture of 120 participants from four occupational groups was analyzed using a plumb line in relation to anatomical landmark and categorized into four types. Data were recorded as the frequency of the posture types. To test the equality of means among more than two groups, the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. Posture frequency was then compared with musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: The major finding in this study is that a considerable proportion of the study sample displayed some degree of postural anomaly. Kyphosis was found to be highest among IT professionals (76.7%) compared to the other professional groups. Kypholordotic posture was more among the nurses. The frequency of pain increased in participants with more severe postural issues. It is hypothesized that the means of different groups compared are the same against the alternative that at least one group's mean is different from others. The difference observed difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: Postural abnormalities are a significant risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. The ergonomics of the working environment have a direct impact on the well-being of professionals. Hence, the organizations employing them, and the professionals themselves need to be sensitized regarding the importance of correct working posture.