Ergonomic analysis and awareness in office work and it's impact on postural, physical and functional parameters of spine health

The aim of this study was to find out how much the office worker's profession affects the vertebral column health in terms of the impact of ergonomic behavior and awareness in the office work on postural, physical, and functional parameters of spine health. 70 volunteers (35 M and 35 F) aged between 35 and 46 years participants were assessed once during the study. Demographic parameters, age categories, gender, body mass index, anthropometric measurements, ergonomic working hours, ergonomic awareness, exercise habits and stretching were the independent factors in the study. The clinical parameters of pain intensity, physical parameters of lumbar spine range of motions, muscle strength, and the international physical activity questionnaire-short form, and the functional parameters in the modified Oswestry disability scale, all, were the dependent variables in the study. Significant effects of office ergonomic working hours, gender, age category, and exercise habits on clinical, physical, postural and functional parameters of spine health among office workers (P≤ 0.05). The group that worked for fewer hours had more range of motion and less pain intensity. While men had better physical activity levels than women, they had a higher rate of disability in posture and functional abilities. Working hours, postural alignment, and physical activities, were inextricably linked. BMI categories and Oswestry disability levels, were in positive correlation. Furthermore, negative relationship between BMI categories and exercise habits, as well as between BMI categories and stretching, and between stretching and the physical categories of the New York scale. In conclusion, poor ergonomic results and awareness have a negative impact on physical, postural, and functional parameters of spine health among office workers. Keywords: office work, ergonomic analysis, awareness, physical, postural, functional, spine health