Photographic Assessment of Upper Back Postures in Computer Users: A Validity Study Padole Dipti C1, Korde Trishna2 1Associate Professor, Shree B.G. Patel College of Physiotherapy, J.P Road, Anand, Gujarat 2Lecturer, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy, Charusat Education Campus, Petlad, Anand, Gujarat Online published on 28 September, 2015. Abstract Computers are firmly established as a part of everyday life for both, adults and children, in many countries as a part of ergonomics. However, prolonged static sitting is accompanied by discomfort and musculoskeletal complications due to sustained immobility. Objective of study: To test the validity of sitting postures using photographs in upright, neutral and slumped posture in computer users and justify which posture should be adopted by computer users. Need of study: There are various ways to measure the postural alterations in upper back using various equipment's like goniometers, flexi ruler, inclinometer, radiographs. By this study we need to study the alterations in upper back posture using photographic measures and calculating the upper back angles using AutoCAD software. Inclusion criteria: Both gender between 18-35years with Right hand dominance and Undertaking computer or computype study for minimal 20hours/week were included. Exclusion criteria: subject with musculoskeletal disorders in neck or upper extremity, traumatic or post-traumatic conditions, who compromise their ability to assume normal, upright or slumped position on the day of data collection and with Left hand dominance were excluded. Materials used: markers, desktop computer unit with a mouse pad, desk, chair, stop watch, recording sheet, plinth/table with books, Sony Digital camera(14.1 megapixel), AutoCAD software 32bits Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was done on 60 computer users(20/group)and were asked to play game on the computer which was a 30 min task. The pre and post NDI was assessed and sagittal head angle, cervical angle, protraction/retraction angle, thoracic angle and arm angle were assessed using AutoCAD software. Results: on the basis of intergroup comparison it was found that slumped posture showed more changes as compared to upright and neutral; while the intragroup comparison data on two-tailed ANOVA scale stated that cervical angle had maximum and protraction/retraction angle showed minimal variability (7.07–54.16) Conclusion From the study conducted above it can be stated photographic measurement is a valid measure to assess the body angles. The result of this study concluded that neutral posture should be used, which may alter the developing neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Top Keywords Photographic, computer users, AutoCAD. Top |