The neck posture practices among University of Baguio BSPT and BSMLS students during distance learning

Crystal Jewel Agbalog | Krystal Shine Balabbo | Kyra Sophia Battuing | Nadine Angeline Gomez | Hazel Mang-osan
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy,  School of Natural Sciences

ABSTRACT

The implementation of quarantine protocols caused all educational activities to move to online platforms. Consequently, complaints of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck pain have been rising due to the continuous use of electronic gadgets throughout the day. The study’s objective was to determine the extent of neck posture practices among University of Baguio students during distance learning and; determine the significant difference in the extent of neck posture practices according to sex, duration of the class, and types of gadgets used. The research involved 219 students who willingly participated in the conduct of the study. The research utilized a quantitative descriptive design. Results show that the respondents rarely practice the proper neck posture practices, as evidenced by the weighted mean of 2.43. T-test for the two sexes showed that the extent of neck posture practices of 186 female participants (M=2.42, SD=.42) compared to 33 male participants (M=2.45, SD=.60) demonstrated a not significant difference, t(38)=–.204, p=.840. Findings in the ANOVA manifested that there were also no significant differences in the duration of classes F(2,216)= .106, p=.899 and the type of gadget used F(3, 215)=.178, p=.911. In conclusion, the students rarely perform neck posture practices despite being aware of Endorsed for review JAS10/11/21 the proper ergonomics. Sex, duration of the class, and type of gadget did not affect the neck postures manifested by the participants. Hence, information regarding proper body mechanics, especially during distance learning, is still needed.

Keywords: Medical Education, Neck Posture Practices, Distance Learning, Quantitative Descriptive, University of Baguio