International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 62 Vol.8; Issue: 9; September 2018 International Journal of Health Sciences and Research www.ijhsr.org ISSN: 2249-9571 Original Research Article Ergonomic Awareness about Use of Electronic Devices in IT Professionals Abhishek Goplani 1 , Dr. Purti Haral 2 1 Final year BPT, 2 Associate Professor, School of Physiotherapy, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India Corresponding Author: Dr. Purti Haral ABSTRACT Ergonomics is a very important part in today’s world leading to health problems. This survey focused on the ergonomic awareness in IT professionals to know whether they followed the ergonomic modifications while working on different electronic devices. Method: A survey was carried out among the IT professionals using self administered questionnaire. 100 subjects were invited for the study. Result: 32% were unaware of their postures related to upper extremity. 37% kept Monitor/screen of computer or laptop improperly with respect to eye level. 86% people experienced different MSDs which could be attributed to the faulty postures and their unawareness of ergonomic modifications. Conclusion: Data analysis concluded that majority of the subjects were unaware of ergonomics and faced different health problems. Also they were aware that improper ergonomics led to these discomforts. Hence, it is important to become aware about the ergonomics to prevent MSDs. Key words: Ergonomic, awareness, IT professional INTRODUCTION Ergonomics is the study of human responses to their work while working in their working stations. [1] More specifically, ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit an individual rather than physically forcing his/her body to fit the job. Health and safety is maintained by practicing ergonomics, which improves working efficiency, comfort and easiness to work. A workplace, which is ergonomically deficient, may not cause any discomfort immediately, because the body adapts to a poorly designed workplace to some extent. But in long term, poor quality of work, altered body’s mechanisms, pain, decreased performance are the cause of the workplace designed unergonomically. [2-3] E.g. the position of the mouse should be such that the user should maintain a straight, neutral wrist position such that strain injuries, posture disorders like Carpal Tunnel, Tendinitis, Lateral epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow) are prevented. [10] In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to imagine that one can live without computers or any electronic devices (laptops, mobiles). They have become every day use for individuals of every age. Inappropriate use of computers while in work stations increases the risk of health problems. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the results of working in the ergonomically deficient environment or workplace for prolonged time. There is 25 percent increase in the individuals suffering from MSDs in last 10years. [4] Majority of these musculoskeletal conditions is related to computer use, thus ergonomics is a concern in today’s time and everyone should be aware of all ergonomic modifications. [5] A little knowledge of ergonomics can prevent