Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Background: There is currently very little research on musculoskeletal symptoms and their impacts on the South African adolescent population. The adolescent population spends long periods of time sitting at a desk for educational purposes, which can contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms arising. Musculoskeletal discomfort and symptoms can negatively impact an adolescent’s life by affecting academic and sport performance and attendance. Aim: The aim of this research study was to identify if the adolescent population was experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms and discomfort amongst nine body regions. Method: This was a cross sectional, quantitative, explorative study done on 150 matric students in the East Rand region of Gauteng, South Africa. The online survey was distributed via a link, hosted by the anonymous online survey platform, Google Forms. The survey was used to investigate and determine the musculoskeletal symptoms and their impacts on the adolescent population. The matric learners had to comply with the inclusion criteria. In the inclusion criteria, it was stated that the participants had to be matric learners enrolled at Ashton International College and Woodlands International College on the East Rand, in the Gauteng region of South Africa. The survey link was emailed to the Head of student affairs and then forwarded by the selected teacher to the matric class groups. Results: The study gathered 100 responses from matric learners enrolled at Ashton International College and Woodlands International College. The majority of matriculants had experienced musculoskeletal pain or discomfort over the last six months at one or more body regions. Overall, 38.81% of the participants reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort at one or more body region. It was revealed that 10.06% of the participants stated that their symptoms affected their school attendance and 29.24% of the participants revealed that their symptoms of discomfort had affected their attendance for sport or leisure activities....