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PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AND POSTURAL DISORDERS IN UPPER LIMB AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS DUE TO UNILATERAL BAG PACK CARRYING

. Dr. Erum Ghaffar, Mishal Azeem, Fatima Mazhar, Rimsha Tariq, Muqaddas Shafiq, Aneeqa Aqdas, Aqsa Rafaqat, Amna Rafaqat, Barjees Ahmed & Iqra Shehzadi


Abstract

Background: Upper limb joints provide us a wide range of movements due to their unique arrangement of bones and its musculatures. There are number of risk factors contributing in pain and postural abnormalities including unilateral bag pack carrying.

 

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence musculoskeletal pain and postural disorders in upper limb among school students as a result of carrying unilateral bag packs.

 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study is conducted to evaluate the musculoskeletal pain and postural disorders among secondary school students due to unilateral bag packs. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) questionnaire is used to collect data.

 

Results: Results shows that female students carry unilateral bag packs more often than male students. Average age of secondary school students is between 12.5-16.5 years. On average 36.3% students report moderate postural changes, positioning their Upper arm at 20° flexion, Forearm at 40° -90° flexion, Neck at 20° of flexion or more, Trunk at 0-20° of flexion and 40.1% students report musculoskeletal pain in upper limb.

 

Conclusion: This study shows that there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and postural disorders in upper limb among secondary school students due to carrying unilateral bag packs.

 

Index Terms- Musculoskeletal Pain, Postural Disorder, Body Mass Index, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

 

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