INVESTIGATION OF SPINAL PAIN AND FUNCTIONALITY, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF DESIGN STUDENTS

Objectives : Design students who work long hours in desk-based positions may be in the at-risk group for spinal problems. Physical activity levels of students may be a factor associated with spinal problems. The aim of this study was to investigate spinal pain and functionality and physical activity levels in design students and to determine the relationship between these variables. Methods: The study was carried out with 125 students studying in the Department of Architecture and Department of Visual Communication Design. The location and time of the spinal pain were questioned and the pain severity was determined with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Spine Functional Index (SFI) was used to determine the effects of spinal symptoms on functional level. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to determine the physical activity level. Results: It was determined that the students with longer daily drawing time had higher pain intensity (p<0.05) and the spinal functionality of the students with a high daily drawing time was found to be adversely affected (p<0.05). Spinal functions were found to be worse in students with high spinal pain level (p<0.05). It was found that there was no relationship between pain levels, SFI results and physical activity levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: In order to reduce the spine pain of the design students and increase their functionality postural awareness trainings to be given, providing expert support to students with spinal pain complaints when necessary, and suggestions to increase their physical activity levels would be beneficial.