Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: August | Volume: 12 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 202-206
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220827
An Observational Study on Musculoskeletal Impairments Among Architecture Students
Anila Paul1, Yasir Zahid2, Heena Rupalwala3
1Professor & HOD, Medical Trust Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Irumpanam, Kochi, Kerala, India 682309
2Clinical in charge & Head Physiotherapist, HEAL Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400052
3Home care Physiotherapist, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding Author: Yasir Zahid
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Architecture students work in challenging static and dynamic awkward posture for a long period of time working on sheets for their designated projects. These constant postural adaptations may have an impact on posture, postural balance and flexibility. Considering the scarcity in literature, this study was designed to explore the musculoskeletal impairments among architecture students.
Methodology: This study was conducted on thirty architecture students and thirty age and gender matched subjects between the age group of 18 to 25 years. All subjects were assessed for posture by photographic method, postural control by unipedal stance test and flexibility by sit and reach test and shoulder neck mobility test.
Results: Results expressed statistically no significant changes in different variables of postural deviations. The mean unipedal stance test in architecture students was 0.58 (±0.49) and in control group was 1.17 (±0.62) with p value ≤0.05, which indicated statistically significant change in balance. The mean value for sit and reach test in architecture students was 5.7 (±7.06) and in control group was 2.0 (±8.33) with p ≥ 0.0, revealing no significant changes in lower extremity flexibility.
Conclusion: This study suggested no statistically significant difference in posture and flexibility. Whereas, static balance was found significantly decreased in architecture students.
Key words: Posture, balance, flexibility, unipedal stance test, sit and reach test