Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and musculoskeletal
disorders.
Author: Pragya pokharel
Background: Due to the COVID-19 , the sanitary emergency obliged people to face several
changes in their everyday lives as lockdown imposed activities and social distancing to flatten
the infection curve. One of these rapid changes involved students and employee that had to turn
the traditional “in presence” into online setting and change in work culture and environment
facing several problems. Incorrect ergonomics at the workplace, including working from home,
is not free from serious long-term health effects. Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic,
people stayed indoors, leading to habituation in the indoor environment and sedentary lifestyle.
Musculoskeletal pain is a significant concern in our life due to its adverse effects on our ability
to perform daily functions.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown in musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and
physical activity (PA).
Design: cross-sectional study and survey related to covid-19 lockdown and having components
of any musculoskeletal pain, postural evaluation, and physical activities were included.
Search strategies: PUBMED,MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR
Result: Duration of work using the device was directly proportional to the degree of pain with difficulty performing several daily activities. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, NORDIC Questionnaire, and VAS showed a significant reduction in physical activities and increased musculoskeletal pain during and post lockdown. Neck and back pain was reported as the leading cause of declining work potency.
Conclusion: Maintaining habitual physical activity level and preparing a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace can play a role in a healthier transition to working from home.
Keyword: covid-19, lockdown, musculoskeletal pain, physical activity, work from home