Prevalence of Forward Head Posture and Its Association with Neck Pain Among Academicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain in Academicians
Keywords:
Academia, Education , Cervical pain, Posture, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal painAbstract
Background: Forward head posture (FHP) has been found to be increased among individuals of different occupations, specifically those engaged in desk based work. Extended period of screen time and reading among academicians may contribute to the deviations of posture linked with neck pain causing functional limitations. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of forward head posture and its association with neck pain among academicians.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 academicians from Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi University and Indus University through non probability convenience sampling. Outcome measures were plumb line for assessing FHP, Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain and Neck disability index (NDI) for functional disability. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Frequency and percentages were shown for descriptive data and associations were analyzed using the Chi-square test. P value was <0.05
Results: FHP has been reported in 76.6% of the participants. Mild neck disability was reported among 38.1%, while 9.1% presented with moderate disability. No statistically significant association was observed between FHP and pain intensity (p = 0.184) or neck disability (p = 0.276). However, NPRS and NDI were significantly associated (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Results concluded that FHP has been found to be common among different faculty members though many of the individuals didn’t report any pain or disability but the postural correction is still an occupational concern. Therefore, the ergonomic interventions and posture correction strategies are recommended in order to reduce long-term musculoskeletal risk.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/004
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