REMOTE LEARNING MODE: ERGONOMIC PERCEPTION AND THE PRESENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Emergency remote learning was adopted to ensure continuity of learning and preventing the spread of SARS Cov-2. Students do not have a proper study environment, which brings negative repercussions to the musculoskeletal system. Objective: To verify the ergonomic perception and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms of students at a state public university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 95 university students. In the data collection were used the anamnesis and characterization forms, besides the ergonomic perception and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires all sent by e-mail, with the link of the forms. Results: Treated with descriptive statistics and Fischer’s test. Mean age 23.63 (±6.03) years, studying in the remote model for 24 months (44.2%), 15-20 hours per week (28.4%), (71.6%) did not practice physical activity, (73.7%) attended class via notebook/computer, (92.6%) in a sitting position in chair/table, backrest (45.2%), low table (47.4%), not very comfortable (49.5%). Ventilated environment (37.9%), bright (43.2%), noisy (37.9%). Headache (85.3%), and visual symptoms (90.5%). Presence of pain, tingling, numbness in the past 12 months, lower back (90.5%), neck (81.1%), shoulders (69.5%). Restrictions in activities of daily life, work activities in the last 12 months, lower back (34.7%), shoulders (26.3%), neck (25.3%). Pain, tingling, numbness in the last seven days, lumbar region (48.4%), cervical (41.1%), shoulders (34.7%). Conclusion: The students identified some inadequate ergonomic conditions in the study environment during remote learning. The presence of the musculoskeletal symptoms was found, especially in the lumbar, cervical and shoulder regions.