Purpose: Globalization of computer use in the past two decades has increased the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and different damages to computer users. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal damages and postural anomalies and disorders among computer users.
Methods: This is a descriptive research study carried out as a field project on 160 university students with 3 years of experience working with computers. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher, which was of high reliability and validity. Moreover, for evaluation of the changes in postural alignment, the New York posture rating chart was used. Data analyses were performed by using descriptive statistics, which was done using Excel software and SPSS version 21.0.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that the participants suffered from pain in the head (81.25%), eyes (87.50%), neck (100%), shoulders (100%), waist (81.25%), wrist (100%), fingers (100%), pelvis (93.75%), and knees (100%). Risk factors such as not using suitable chairs, incorrect way of sitting, and lack of movement (i.e. inactivity during work) were of great significance. Moreover, the findings of this research indicated the following as the prevalent postural anomalies among university students: 85% forward head posture, 90% drooping shoulders, 70% pectoral kyphosis, 65% posterior pelvic tilt, 40% bowed knees or X-shaped legs, and 30% ankle rotation.
Conclusion: Sore neck and shoulders, sore eyes, painful wrist, and fingers are very common among computer users. Forward head posture, drooping shoulder (that of the user’s dominant hand), and bowed knees or X-shaped legs were found to be the basic and prevalent postural problems among university students. Inactivity caused by over-work and not attending to ergonomic principles while working was among the key risk factors observed in this study.