Neck and Upper Extremity Discomfort and Its Relationship with Extent of Computer Usage among University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Technology has played a crucial role in transforming the lives of an individual. The use of technology has increased steeply among students. With an abrupt increase in the computer users in a period of two decades, the musculoskeletal discomfort has risen sharply.Methods: The present study was observational one comprising 107 students in the age group of 20-35 years. After taking informed consent, a self structured questionnaire along with Neck disability index and the disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand scale were used to conduct the study. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007 percentile and coefficient of correlation with significant value p<0.05. Result:The prevalence of neck and upper extremity discomfort was 89.71% among the computer users. Out of this 88.78% subjects complained shoulder discomfort, 14.95% had elbow discomfort and 28.97% had hand/wrist discomfort. Statistically there was no significant relationship of neck disability with hours of working per day (r = 0.01, p = 0.89), hours of work last week on typical day (r = -0.08, p = 0.35) and break time (r = 0.14, p = 0.13). A statistically non significant relationship was observed for DASH with hours of working per day (r = 0.03, p = 0.69), hours of work last week on typical day (r = -0.11, p = 0.25) and break time (r =-0.07, p = 0.42). Conclusion:Prevalence of shoulder discomfort was seen more than elbow and hand/wrist among students.