Relationship between Spinal postural abnormalities and quality of life in nurses

• Main Authors: Ailin Talimkhani, Rasool Torkeman, Zahra Mosallanezhad, Sediqe Mirbaqeri, Elaheh Talebi Ghane, Morteza Taghipour
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Negah Institute for Scientific Communication 2013-04-01
• Series: Physical Treatments
• Subjects: key words: postural abnormalities; quality of life; nurse
• Online Access: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-56-en.html

Abstract: Objective: to identify the incidence of postural abnormalities of the lumbar, thoracic, cervical and shoulder regions in nurses and to explore whether these abnormalities were associated with their quality of life. Materials&Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study,36 female and 20 male nurses were selected through sample of convenience method. They completed SF-36 questionnaire (measuring quality of life). Usingthe New York organization test and plumb line kyphosis, lordosis, shoulder drop, forward head posture, head deviations were assessed. Using flexible ruler an exact measurement of lordosis and kyphosis were also performed. At the end, data were analyzed using statistical methods such as independent t - test , anova and chi-square. Results: Results revealed that among those with postural abnormalities (lordosis, shoulder drop), moderate intensity was more common. Regarding the score of SF-36 questionnaire and head deviation, there were no statistically significant differences between female and male nurses.The postural abnormalities of the kyphosis, forward head and shoulder drop were more common in women and lordosis in men. No statistically significant association was found between postural abnormalities and quality of life. Conclusion:The degree of postural abnormalities and also the score of quality of life of the nurses were assessed moderate .The probable reasons for arising the postural abnormalities, are poor postural alignment, repetitive movement habits and improper physical functioning related to their occupation. In addition to postural abnormalities, many other factors can affect quality of life of nurses.