Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) refer to disease or injury which affects muscles, nerves, bones, joints and supporting soft tissue structures which form the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. MSD are a highly prevalent category of illness and disease which has a significant effect on the global population. Regardless of age, gender, race, profession, and lifestyle MSD tends to show a statistical prevalence. MSD have been reported as a leading cause of absenteeism at work and disability globally. University students particularly are exposed to high levels of stress resulting from intensive academic workloads, large volumes of knowledge needing to be studied, along with the perception of limited time to accomplish these requirements (Ekpenyong, Daniel and Aribo, 2013). Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is also leading cause of adolescent absenteeism and decreased academic performance (Ozdemir, Gencbas, Tosun, and Bebis Sinan, 2021).
The broad category of MSD, although being cited as a leading cause of healthy years lost in the global population and due to its high association with debility and mortality, lacks the attention and publication to match the significant impact it has on the health of the global population (Bensusan, 2019).
MSD in many cases go by unnoticed during their progressive development. These conditions develop overtime and may be the result of overuse and work done by an individual or poorly structured environments wherein they work (Dimate-Garcia and Rodríguez-Romero, 2021). Most MSD once present have residual impacts on those whom it ails to a certain and variable degree (Riggin, Morris, and Soslowsky, 2015)
The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the global population in various degrees. Students particularly have had changes imposed on their lives almost spontaneously and overnight, with implications forcing all to become accustomed to a new norm. This included conditions which were new to most. These implications flowed from new study methods, working environments, and amended daily schedules (Romero-Blanco, Rodríguez-
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Almagro, Onieva-Zafra, Parra-Fernández, Prado-Laguna, and Hernández-Martínez, 2020)
1.2 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study was to identify the impact of COVID-19 academic regulations on undergraduate health sciences university students. The information acquired from this study could identify which components of the work from home lifestyle could be considered as detrimental to the musculoskeletal (MSK) health of health science students. This study will highlight whether the transition from on campus learning to remote and online academics has impacted the musculoskeletal health of students and make recommendations about the possible causes of those conditions. This information can be used in future secondary analysis studies so that corrective measures can be developed and implemented to address the causes of musculoskeletal disorder development in students.
1.3 Possible Outcomes of the Study
The results of this study could highlight whether the transition from on campus learning to the work from home environment and COVID-19 regulations has impacted the MSK health of students. This information may be used to develop preventative strategies or develop better work plans for scholars to adopt that will benefit their physical health.
1.4 Relevant Departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences
This study focused on the undergraduate students registered in various health science faculties at the University of Johannesburg – Doornfontein campus. The departments of focus for this study are the departments of Chiropractic, Optometry, Emergency Medical Care, and Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.