A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY ON PREVALENCE OF UPPER CROSS SYNDROME AND ITS CORRELATION TO WRMSDs IN WORKING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is stress over the neck region due to poor posture and ergonomics, particularly sitting or standing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UCS in working physiotherapists of Pakistan and its correlation of UCS with WRMSDs to gauge the burden of the Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted on working physiotherapists recruited through convenience sampling technique via email or social media platforms. A self-administered questionnaire constitutes of screening questions regarding posture and Modified Oswestry Neck Disability Index was used to collect data. RESULTS A total number of 148 physiotherapists participated in the study out of which 45 males and 103 females. The professionals were categorized on basis of their level of experience years 40 % beginners 32 % competent and 28% proficient. The screening revealed that 75(51.7 %) have forwarded head posture while 73 (49.3%) physiotherapists suffered from moderate disability. The chi-square analysis was found to have significant association (p<0.005) on gender, experience level and duration of working posture hour with disability. CONCLUSION It was concluded that UCS prevalence was found to be 27% in working physiotherapists whereas female and individuals working for prolonged duration were found to be more prone to develop UCS. Further studies should be conducted taking large sample size and confounding factors for the better understanding of the health-related outcomes.