Effects of COVID -19 Pandemic Lock Down on Posture in Physiotherapy Students: A CrossSectional Study

Abstract

Highlights The current lifestyle, with its increased use of modern technologies, has determined modifications in people’s behavior, making individuals more and more sedentary and with inappropriate body habits. Posture is one of the most important factors affecting the physical and mental status of an individual. Purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on relative changes in postural habits, patterns and associated problems among Physiotherapy students, correlating it with the increased technology use and a reduction in levels of physical activity. It was a cross-sectional online survey conducted during COVID-19 lockdown period (June to July 2020). Participants were 223 college students (mean age 20.65 ± 2.86) years recruited from undergraduate (I–IV year), internship, and postgraduate programs under Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. This was a qualitative study in which perspectives of students were obtained through a self-reported questionnaire. The results of this study revealed that the majority of the students have inefficient posture patterns and inadequate postural habits. Dominant inappropriate postural patterns were those of established low back pain, followed by neck pain, upper back pain, and shoulder pain (these being most prominent). This was majorly seen in participants who assumed awkward postures, owing to postural habits, increased use of digital devices, inappropriate ergonomics and also emotional stress. However, a significant number have also attempted to correct the same. The levels of physical activity before and during lockdown was either ‘considerably’ or ‘minimally reduced’ with the majority engaging in only light to moderate physical activity. The acquisition of adequate body behaviors and postural habits must be shaped during early adult age, minimizing postural disorders in later adult life and their consequences. Thus, early detection of postural changes and musculoskeletal risks is essential for the application of a preventive and educational protocol.