Musculoskeletal disorders of spine and extremities in software professionals The role of physiotherapist

Abstract

Among computer operators, risk factors associated with work-related musculo-skeletal newlinedisorders, include the integration of biomechanical factors such as static muscular newlineoverload, repetitive motions, conditions related to the work station, work environment newlineand issues related to the working organization, as well as those associated with the newlinepsychosocial aspects of work. These problems if ignored can be debilitating and cause newlineinjuries forcing one to change profession itself. With more and more jobs available in newlinesoftware industry today, it is all the more important to be aware of the problems and newlinefollow necessary preventive steps to check the progression of computer related health newlineproblems. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as neck and low back pain have been newlinewidely reported as being of significant health and economic concern due to increased newlineglobalization and industrial advancements.This study attempted to find whether these disorders were also prevalent amongst Indian newlineSoftware Professionals. A total of 355 software professionals were studied and the newlineresearch draws conclusion that it is important to have ergonomics interventions in todayand#131;s newlinework places, and the role of physiotherapists in occupational health and safety in newlinecorporate world. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase of the study was newlinea questionnaire survey in order to estimate the prevalence of MSD in south Indian newlinesoftware professionals. The study showed that neck pain is the most prevalent pain in newlinesouth Indian software professionals today. The risk factors like static inactivity, poor newlineseating posture, repetitive motions and lack of ergonomic knowledge could also be newlineassociated with neck pain. newlineThis research has provided empirical result to establish the newlinecurative along with preventive effects of physiotherapy in combating MSD present in newlinetodayand#131;s Indian software industry. newline