The Relationship Between Posture, Sense of Position, Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Anxiety

The thoracic kyphosis angle was evaluated with a dual digital inclinometer (Acumar, Lafeyette, USA). Repetitive cervical flexion, extension and lateral flexion movements were asked from the subjects before the measurement. They were also asked to perform back rotation of the shoulders and to take a deep breath in and out. Subsequently, they were asked to stand in a normal position in which they were comfortable and the measurement was performed. The inclinometer was placed on the T1-2 and T12-L1 vertebrae. The value on the inclinometer screen was noted as the degree of kyphosis. A kyphosis angle of 20-40 degrees is considered normal. Values above 45 degrees are considered as hyperkyphosis.

Trunk position sense was evaluated with a dual digital inclinometer (Acumar, Lafeyette, USA) during 30 degrees of trunk flexion. For the measurement, the subjects were asked to stand in a standing and comfortable position. The inclinometer was placed on the T1 and S1 vertebrae. Individuals were asked to perform 30 degrees of trunk flexion with their eyes closed. The measurement was taught by performing 2 trials. Then, the individuals were asked to find the target angle that was taught. The angle that the individuals thought was the target angle was recorded. The difference between the recorded angle and the target angle was written as absolute value. The process was repeated three times and averaged. There is no specific reference value for trunk flexion position sensation.

Musculoskeletal disorders of the individuals were assessed with the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Scale. The scale consists of three categories assessing the frequency, severity and work intervention of musculoskeletal discomfort in 20 different body parts within a week. The answers given in the frequency section are scored between 0-1.5-3.5-5-10. In the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort and the work disability caused by the musculoskeletal system disorder sections the answers are scored between 1-3. The scores for each body part are multiplied and then summed to obtain a total score from the three sections. The total score is the sum of all section scores. A lower score indicates less musculoskeletal discomfort.

Anxiety of the individuals was assessed with the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. The scale evaluates the experiences in the last 2 weeks. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale is a four-point Likert-type scale based on self-report. The total score is obtained by adding the score of the answer given to each item. The higher the total score obtained from the scale, the higher the level of anxiety.