Correlation Between Neck Pain and Postural Abnormalities Among Female Office Workers at University of Dammam

The study population and sampling were calculated by Raosoft sample size calculator using an estimated average of population size 200 and allowing a 5% tolerable error, based on a 95% confidence interval (CI).

About 140 female office workers were targeted from the medical colleges of University of Dammam (UoD); Medicine, Applied Medical Science, Nursing, Dentistry, Clinical Pharmacology and Health Track of preparatory year were recruited into the study (N=140).

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Dammam (IRB-PGS-2015-03-194).

Eligible individuals for this study were informed of the risks and benefits and were asked to read and sign a written consent form.

Participants' confidentiality was maintained by using a code (number) instead of the participant's name on the data collection form.

All data collection forms were saved in a file and secured in a locker & the electronic file saved with password. Only the researcher and the supervisor had an access to them.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects with/without non-specific neck pain complaint.
• Age from 28 up to 40 years old.
• At least 25 working hours a week ( at least 2 hours on computer - at least 3 other office working).
• More than 5 years of experience as an office worker.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects who had prolonged absence from work anticipated within the past 12 months.
• Complain of: cervical radiculopathy, migraine, vestibular Dysfunction.
• Had spinal fracture or surgery.
• Pregnancy.
• History of cervical trauma.
• Comorbid medical conditions as cancer, type 1 diabetes, heart disease.