Abstract

PREVALACE OF LOWER CROSS SYNDROME IN SCHOOL TEACHERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Syed Ashna Aalam*, Pooja Rathod

Abstract

Background: In contemporary times, work is intrinsically associated with capitalist relationship, in which workers need continuous update on their job skills and a constantly demanded to keep being successful in their position. In educational context, teachers belong to risk group for the development of MSDs, since poor working condition in school leads to reduced quality of life among the professionals. They are also exposed to long hours standing during teaching and prolonged sedentary position, which leads to poor posture and low back pain. Methods: Total 154 school teachers aged between 35 to 50 years participated and were screened for to the total kinetic chain neuromuscular efficiency, integrated functional strength, flexibility and also a degree of muscle fatigue, using Overhead Squat Test. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain assessment, and length of bilateral Iliopsoas muscle: was measured by Modified Thomas test and using Universal Goniometer. Length of spinal extensor muscle: was checked by non-elastic measuring tape. Abdominal muscle strength and Gluteus maximus muscle strength was measured by using MMT, according to the grades. Results: The study results showed a high occurrence of LCS among the teacher population and demonstrated a statistically significant link between the syndrome and increased pain levels, iliopsoas tightness, and weakness in the abdominal and gluteus maximus muscles. Conclusion: The observed clinical findings emphasize the importance of early screening and primary prevention strategies. Identifying this postural imbalance, which often precedes chronic lower back pain, allows for targeted, cost-effective corrective measures such as stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak ones in order to minimize the musculoskeletal risk among teachers.

Keywords: School teachers, Lower cross syndrome, Overhead squat test, Erector spinae muscle, Iliopsoas muscle, Gluteus maximus muscle, Abdominal muscle.