Musculoskeletal symptoms in professors: implications of the COVID-19 pandemicABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-essential services, such as universities, started working from home, making professors adapt to spending more hours in front of screens and sitting down. As a result, the new routine has triggered pain, poor posture and stress points, as well as affecting mental health. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in 60 professors at a Higher Education Institution, whose work routine has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an original cross-sectional study carried out between February and May 2022, which used the Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as the Sit and Reach and Third Finger on the Ground tests to assess flexibility and hamstring muscles, in addition to the postural assessment software (SAPO). The most notable results revealed the prominent occurrence of pain or discomfort in the cervical and lumbar regions, in agreement with the most common postural deviations, such as the neck, shoulders, pelvis and legs. This correlation can be attributed to the high incidence of sedentary lifestyles due to the pandemic, which has resulted in longer hours sitting. Social isolation and working from home have led to musculoskeletal disorders even among physically active professors. Physical activity should therefore be increasingly encouraged for a better quality of life and continued well-being, as well as breaks from work and time for leisure.
Keywords
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Pandemic; COVID-19; Faculty
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