A Descriptive Study on the Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Body Posture in Clinicians

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Clinicians in the today's world are always under sustained levels of physical exertion. As they form backbone of healthcare setup, the health of clinicians themselves is a very signicant factor towards providing good health to all. AIMS & OBJECTIVES - The objective of the study was to determine the relation of body mass index (BMI) on both static standing as well as dynamic sitting body posture in clinicians. This will establish a relation between obesity and postural stress of clinicians METHODS: The descriptive study was conducted in OPD clinics of our medical college and various private hospitals of Jalandhar. BMI was calculated as ratio of weight (kg) to the square of height (m). Standing posture was assessed with the help of plumb bob passing the line in lateral and posterior aspect of the body nding the correct (YES) or faulty (NO) posture taken for the calculation. Dynamic (work sitting) posture was checked with observation during the OPD work by using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) worksheet. All the values obtained were statistically analysed with Chi square test to determine association. RESULTS: In high BMI group, three-fourths of the clinicians were found to have faulty standing static posture and 79% had faulty dynamic work posture whereas normal BMI group had minimum faulty posture. Female clinicians showed more level of faulty posture than male clinicians. The results also show that with increase in BMI, faulty posture also takes a higher turn. CONCLUSION: BMI is positively related to postural stress in clinicians, especially in the higher age group. This information serves as an awareness and warning signal for the clinicians to safeguard their own health and correct their faulty posture