Impact of Load on Craniovertebral Angle in Construction Workers: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Introduction The angle between a horizontal line passing through C7 and a line extending from the ear tragus to C7 is known as the craniovertebral angle. This angle is a reliable measure for the identification of head and neck position. For CV angle measurement the electronic head posture instrument EHPI is used. Its measuring scale is accurate to the first decimal place and the angle is read automatically by the electronic sensor.Objectives The aim of this study was to find if there exists a relationship between load and craniovertebral angle in construction workers.Methodology The craniovertebral angle was measured and weight-correlated. Using an electronic head posture instrument the angle was measured. It consists of three components a transparent plastic frame an electronic angle finder and a camera tripod stand. On the transparent plastic frame the angle finder is placed and attached to the tripod stand. The distance to the middle of the tripod from the subjects shoulder is 0.3 m and the distance between the operatorrsquos eye and the tripod is 0.5 m. The placement was done using a measuring tape. The spinous process of C7 is palpated and an adhesive pin is placed onto it. Another adhesive pin is placed on the left ear tragus. Photograph was taken from a distance of 0.5 m until the line on the transparent plastic base was aligned with the pin markers.Result The meanplusmnstandard deviation of CV angle of male construction workers 42.21plusmn4.41 was significantly lower than the mean CV angle in female construction workers 46.09plusmn4.50. The average load kg carried by women 40.22 plusmn6.82 was lower than that carried by men 47.23plusmn5.30. The Karl Pearson method was used in order to determine if a linear relationship exists between the load kg and CV angle and an inversely proportional relationship was observed but was not significant in men r -0.049 NS and r-0.089 NS women construction workers.Conclusions To avoid problems and to prevent musculoskeletal disorders the amount of overhead load has to be minimized. Many of the musculoskeletal issues can be avoided by improving the quality of workplace environment minimizing exposure to external loads acting on the body improving job procedures coordinating work as well as educating training workers in the identification of ergonomic hazards teaching problem solving skills and enabling them to find suitable solutions.