It provides basic information about ergonomical issues faced by students. Not a detailed presentation as the topic posture and ergonomics is wide spread.

1. POSTURE AND
ERGONOMICS IN
STUDENTS
– Samrth Pareta

2. Content
 Importance of posture in students
 Ergonomics in student
 Backpack ergonomics
 Ergonomics tips for home school
 Issues occur in student due to bad posture
 Pathological conditions which can occur due to bad posture
 Postural deformities : kyphosis , lordosis , scoliosis , flat back , forward head , winged
scapula , flat foot .
 Prevention of postural deformities
 Treatment

3. Importance of posture in students
 Posture is of utmost importance for students, as it can
have a significant impact on their physical health, mental
well-being, and academic performance. Here are some key
reasons why maintaining good posture is crucial for
students:
 Physical health: Good posture promotes proper alignment
of the spine, reducing the risk of developing
musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, neck strain,
and joint issues. Poor posture, on the other hand, can
lead to chronic pain and discomfort, which can distract
students from their studies and affect their overall health.
 Concentration and focus: Maintaining an upright posture
helps improve blood circulation to the brain, which can
enhance cognitive function, attention span, and the ability
to concentrate. When students sit or stand with a
slouched posture, it may lead to reduced alertness and
difficulty staying focused in class.

4. Importance of posture cont….
 Learning efficiency: Comfortable
and correct posture allows students
to engage better with their learning
materials. When they are physically
at ease.
 Confidence and self-esteem: Good
posture not only has physical
benefits but also contributes to an
individual's confidence and self-
esteem.
 Preventing fatigue: Maintaining a
balanced posture reduces the strain
on muscles, preventing them from
becoming fatigued quickly.

5. Ergonomics for students
 Ergonomics: In the modern age of
technology, students often spend
extended periods sitting at desks
and using computers or mobile
devices. Practicing proper
ergonomics and maintaining good
posture can help prevent repetitive
strain injuries and other discomforts
associated with prolonged screen
use.

6. It is particularly important
for students who often carry
heavy loads of books and
other school supplies on
their backs. Poor backpack
ergonomics can lead to
various health issues,
including back pain,
shoulder pain, and postural
problems.

8. Issues occurs in student health due to bad posture
1. Back pain: Slouching or hunching
over while sitting or carrying heavy
backpacks can strain the muscles
and ligaments in the back, leading to
discomfort and potential long-term
issues.
2. Neck and shoulder pain: Incorrect
posture, such as holding the head
forward while using electronic
devices or reading, can strain the
neck and shoulder muscles.
3. Headaches: Poor posture can
contribute to tension headaches,
especially when the neck and
shoulder muscles are under constant
strain due to improper alignment.

9. Issues cont…..
4. Fatigue and reduced energy:
Maintaining an incorrect posture requires
more energy from the body to support
itself.
5. Poor digestion: Slouching or sitting
in a hunched position can compress the
abdominal organs, leading to poor
digestion and potential digestive
discomfort.
6. Breathing difficulties: Bad posture
can restrict the expansion of the lungs,
making it difficult to take deep breaths.
This can reduce oxygen intake and
impact overall alertness and cognitive
function.

10. Pathological deformities due to bad posture
Postural deformities: Long-term
poor posture can lead to postural
deformities, such as kyphosis
(excessive rounding of the upper
back) or lordosis (exaggerated
inward curvature of the lower back),
which may require medical attention
to correct.

11. Kyphosis
1) Kyphosis: Kyphosis is
characterized by an excessive
outward curvature of the upper
back, leading to a rounded or
hunched appearance. It often
results from poor posture,
particularly prolonged slouching or
a sedentary lifestyle. Severe
kyphosis can cause back pain,
stiffness, and reduced lung
capacity.

12. Lordosis
2). Lordosis: Lordosis is an
exaggerated inward curvature of the
lower back, causing the pelvis to tilt
forward. This condition is sometimes
referred to as "swayback." It can
result from factors like pregnancy,
obesity, or poor posture habits.
Severe lordosis may lead to back
pain and difficulty maintaining a
proper balance.

13. Scoliosis
3). Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a lateral
(sideways) curvature of the spine. It
can be congenital (present at birth) or
develop during adolescence. In
severe cases, scoliosis can cause the
spine to twist, leading to physical
deformity, reduced lung capacity, and
back pain. Early detection and
appropriate medical interventions are
crucial for managing scoliosis.

14. Flat back syndrome
4). Flat back syndrome: This
condition involves a loss of the
normal curvature in the lumbar spine,
resulting in a flatter appearance of the
lower back. Flat back syndrome can
cause issues with posture, gait, and
back pain.

15. Forward head posture
5). Forward head posture: Also
known as "text neck" or "tech neck,"
this is a postural deformity where the
head shifts forward, typically due to
the increased use of electronic
devices with the head tilted
downward. Forward head posture can
lead to neck and shoulder pain,
headaches, and reduced range of
motion in the neck.

16. Winged scapula
6). Winged scapula: Winged
scapula occurs when the shoulder
blades protrude prominently from the
back. It can result from weak shoulder
blade stabilizing muscles or nerve
damage. This condition may cause
pain and limited shoulder movement.

17. Flat feet
7). Flat feet: Flat feet, or pes
planus, is a condition where the
arches of the feet collapse, causing
the entire sole of the foot to come into
contact with the ground. This
condition can lead to foot pain, lower
leg pain, and difficulties with balance
and posture.

18. Prevention of postural deformity

Preventing postural deformities
involves adopting healthy habits and
maintaining good posture from a young
age.
Promote awareness: Educate children
and students about the importance of
maintaining proper posture and the
potential consequences of poor posture
habits.
Encourage physical activity: Regular
exercise, particularly activities that
strengthen the core, back, and
shoulder muscles, can help support the
spine and improve overall posture.
Activities like swimming, yoga, and
Pilates can be beneficial.

19. Prevention cont….
Limit screen time: Encourage breaks
from electronic devices, and teach
children and students to use screens at
eye level to reduce the strain on the
neck and upper back.
Set up ergonomic workspaces:
Ensure that desks and chairs are
properly adjusted to support a
comfortable and neutral posture while
studying or working on computers.
Select the right backpack: Choose a
backpack that is appropriate for the
wearer's size, has padded straps, and
a padded back panel. Adjust the straps
to fit snugly against the back.

20. Prevention cont….
Lighten the load: Discourage carrying
unnecessary items in backpacks and
teach students to organize the contents
to distribute weight evenly.
Practice proper lifting techniques:
Teach children to lift heavy objects,
including backpacks, with their legs and
not their back to reduce strain.
Encourage good posture during
sedentary activities: Teach children to
sit and stand with their shoulders back,
head aligned with the spine, and feet
flat on the ground.

21. Prevention cont….
Use ergonomic furniture: Provide
chairs and desks that are designed to
support good posture and provide
adequate lumbar support.
Regular check-ups: Schedule regular
visits to healthcare professionals who
can monitor children's growth and
development and detect any early
signs of postural issues.
Promote physical education in
schools: Encourage schools to
prioritize physical education classes
that focus on posture, body mechanics,
and the importance of staying active.

22. Treatment
 Physiotherapist play a crucial role in treatment and management of postural deformities their expertise in assessing
musculoskeletal conditions allows them to develop personalised treatment protocol for the patient . Some treatment
approaches used are :
1. Postural education
2. Stretching exercises
3. Strengthening exercises
4. Manual therapy
5. Postural retraining program
6. Bracing and taping
7. Functional training
8. Breathing exercises
9. Assistive devices
10. Home exercises programs
11. Patient education and awareness