Low Back Pain Prevalence among Distance Learning Students

Abstract

Background: Low back pain as a symptom affects many individuals around the globe regardless of their economic status or sociodemographic characteristics. During the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, students found themselves obligated to sit down for long periods of time. The aim of this current study is to investigate the impact of these prolonged periods of sitting down in front of computers on developing a new episode of low back pain. Methods and Materials: This research adopted an observational cross-section study design. Students who are currently enrolled or had experienced distance learning classes in the last 6 months were eligible to participate. An online-based questionnaire was developed by the investigators through reviewing the literature with relevant objectives. McNemar’s test was used to compare certain variables between two periods before and during online distance learning. We used paired t-tests to compare pain intensity before, during, and after online learning, while a chi-square test was used to investigate correlations between factors influencing low back pain. Results: A total of 84 students participated in the study—46 (54.8%) females and 38 (45.2%) males. Before online distance learning, only 42.9% of participants reported low back pain, while only 20% had a back injury. The mean pain scores before, during, and after online distance learning were (2.85 ± 2.16, 4.79 ± 2.6, and 4.76 ± 2.7), respectively. The pain scores before online learning were significantly lower than pain scores during and after online distance learning (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that low back pain prevalence increased among students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should study participants’ behavior during the online learning and assess the long-run impact of distance learning among high-school and undergraduate students.

Musculoskeletal pain intensity and perceptions during distance learning: A cross‐sectional study

“…The literature clearly describes the negative effects on the musculoskeletal system of prolonged static sitting positions (Baradaran Mahdavi et al, 2021) or atypical sitting postures (Salameh et al, 2022). Many students engage in distance learning from home, which does not necessarily offer the requisite tools for ergonomic sitting such as a desk chair (Hawamdeh et al, 2022). In our study, pain intensity did not differ with listening position in either scheduling model.…”

“…The shift to distance learning has led to an increase in student reports of back pain, headaches, visual impairment, and attention problems (Pohorilyak et al, 2023). During distance learning, many students attend classes in non‐ergonomic positions that can cause problems such as pain, abnormal muscle activity, and postural problems (Hawamdeh et al, 2022). According to qualitative studies, students find sitting in one position for long periods during lessons challenging; it can be tiring and demotivating, especially when looking at a screen (Goodwin et al, 2022).…”

Ergonomics of E-Learning Workstations and the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders—Study among University Students

“…i.e., computer usage for study and during leisure time activities. This measure was justified by the need to take into account the impact of the actual time spent at the computer on the occurrence MSD [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 36 , 37 ]. However, prolonged computer use, was not a differentiating factor in the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints of the neck and lumbar areas.…”

“…Some research has assessed changes in lifestyle and the consequences for people’s health state and well-being including ailments and the level of stress [ 6 , 7 ]. Other studies were concerned the evaluation of home conditions, including technical aspects such as internet speed and hardware facilities, pointing to the factors that may predispose to the occurrence of negative health effects [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Although there are many studies on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on learning, lifestyle, and health outcomes, most often they focus on a single aspect such as student’s attitudes and perceptions of e-learning or its impact on MSD.…”

Correlation Between Duration and Sitting Position With the Incidence of Lower Back Pain During Online Learning

“…Several systematic reviews found a strong relationship between the duration of smartphone use and LBP 9 . The research results by Hawamdeh et al (2023) showed that LBP scores before online learning were lower than LBP scores during and after online learning 10 . LBP is associated with the student's sitting position 11 .…”