Postural Disorders and Musculoskeletal Problems Among Baskent University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to determine postural disorders in medical school students and the effects of postural disorders on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p < 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p > 0.05).

This was a cross-sectional study. Baskent University Medical Faculty students who agreed to participate by signing the voluntary consent form were included in the study. The participants were evaluated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Scale-2, Short Form-36, and New York Posture Analysis Scale. The data of students at different grade levels were statistically compared, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p < 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p > 0.05).

A total of 274 students (186 females, 88 males; mean age 21.30 ± 2.10 years; BMI 22.87 ± 3.95 kg/m²) were analysed. The mean physical activity level was 2361.25 ± 274.55 METs. Second-year students surprisingly had significantly lower physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Although students demonstrated 'very good' posture on the New York Posture Analysis, according to the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, second-year students had a moderate risk, whereas students in other academic years showed a high risk. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p < 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p > 0.05).

Medical students showed a moderate to high risk of musculoskeletal discomfort despite generally good posture across all academic years. Physical activity varied by year, with lower levels in second-year students, while posture, BMI, musculoskeletal risk, and quality of life did not differ by class. Poor posture and low physical activity independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, which was associated with reduced quality of life, particularly in pain and vitality. These results highlight the need for early ergonomic education and structured physical activity programs in medical training.