International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 10 Issue: 06 | Jun 2023 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072 © 2023, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.226 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 440 EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF BODY MECHANICS IN IMPROVING POSTURE IN STUDENTS Dr. Sapna Dinesh 1 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract - Abnormal body postures can lead to musculoskeletal disorders over a period of time if not corrected at an early age. Proper alignment of body parts while at work and at rest is very essential especially during this pandemic where online classes has become inevitable. This study focus on making the students understand the difference between good posture and bad posture by creating an awareness on the principles of body mechanics in students in order to improve their quality of life. An interview schedule was used to collect the data. The samples consisted of 50 under graduate students of Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru. The results of the study revealed that majority (80%) of the students were not aware of their bad body posture they adopted from their early years while doing work. Upon statistical analysis the evaluation of the awareness session on proper body alignment, good posture and principles of body mechanics proved great efficacy in improving the body posture of students. Key Words: Body Alignment, Body Mechanics, Posture, Quality of life. 1. INTRODUCTION Body mechanics is the principle of carrying out activities with less energy and exertion. Proper way of coordinating muscles, nerves and bones will help the individual to maintain good posture, right alignment of body parts thereby preventing musculoskeletal disorders and other related injuries. (Perry et al., 2014) Ergonomics is setting up the work environment according to the needs and capacity of the worker. The principle behind ergonomically designed products is that the workers can adapt the task well. Ergonomic risk factor occurs when the individual uses wrong postures and forceful exertions, and it results in injuries and other disorders. The relation between body mechanics and ergonomics is that proper application of the principles is possible if the work environment is designed in an ergonomic way. (Phillips, 2022). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor defines MSDs as musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders when the event or exposure leading to the case is bodily reaction (e.g., bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting), overexertion, or repetitive motion. (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Poor way of doing activities, unhealthy lifestyle, poor rest, lack of proper sleep, sedentary lifestyle, poor hydration, bad body posture while at doing activities and while at rest are factors which lead to MSD over time. Body alignment is obtained by placing body parts like joints, ligaments and muscles in line with one another while sitting, standing, lifting, pulling, lying down etc. According to body mechanics, the center of weight of an object or person is the center of gravity. So only if the center of gravity is stable individual can position his body in alignment in vertical and horizontal line thereby reducing the risk of injuries. (WorkSafeBC, 2013). Proper body alignment of body parts by following the principles of body mechanics will lead to good posture which would help the individual in maintaining balance, reduce fatigue, and avoid muscle pain and injuries. In the prevailing pandemic situation, online classes and self-study have disturbed the student community physically, emotionally and psychologically. During these days of lock down and covid situations, they experienced tremendous change in their lifestyle in terms of eating habits, sleeping pattern, activity pattern, social and mental health. (Kunal.et. al, 2021). Similar results were suggested by a study done among college students in China that negative effects on student health was noticed due to perceived stress caused as a result of academic workload, separation from school, and fears of contagion.(Yang, 2021). There are several studies to prove that our students have adapted bad posture while sitting, standing and while doing other activities. The prevalence of incorrect posture was noted in students aged 10–15 years and >15 years. (Yang, 2020). The study also found out that bad posture in adulthood is which formed during their childhood. It was reported in an article in Times of India (Hussain, 2020), that in Bengaluru, online classes cause pain in the neck for students due to bad posture and lack of physical activity. A study on ‘Posture Analysis of Students doing Online Class at Home during COVID-19 Pandemic’ also proved that the highest score of students were 7 in RULA and 5 in REBA where there was medium risk in their posture. The study also highlights the need for students and parents/guardians’ to become aware about applying the principle of ergonomics