Sagittal Posture Parameters of the Spine and Exposure to Awkward Postures in Mattress Manufacture Workers: An...

Background: Awkward postures are among the most prevalent ergonomic risk factors in occupational environments, including industrial settings. Conventional ergonomic risk assessments rarely address the relationship between sustained awkward postures and alterations in sagittal spinal curvatures. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the association between sagittal spinal posture parameters and exposure to awkward postures in male workers from the mattress manufacturing industry. The potential confounding effects of age, job seniority, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level were also examined. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Data collected included age, job seniority, anthropometric variables, and physical activity level. Sagittal spinal posture parameters-head alignment, thoracic kyphotic curvature, lumbar lordotic curvature, and pelvic tilt-were assessed using photogrammetry. Exposure to awkward postures was recorded according to occupational health surveillance criteria. Results: A total of 116 male workers were randomly selected. BMI showed a significant negative association with head alignment (p = 0.001), with a medium effect size (η² = 0.090). Lower BMI values (β = -0.517) were observed in association with a more posterior head position. In addition, participants not exposed to awkward postures presented, on average, a 6.479° lower thoracic kyphotic curvature angle compared with exposed workers (p = 0.050), indicating a greater kyphotic curvature among those exposed. Conclusions: In this sample, lower BMI was associated with a more posterior head position and improved alignment with the upper trunk. Furthermore, exposure to awkward postures was related to a modest increase in thoracic kyphotic curvature, suggesting postural adaptations to occupational demands.