A longitudinal study conducted with the aim to study the effects of
certain ergonomic programs on the prevention and reduction of the
risks of musculoskeletal disorders in primary-school-age children rests
on a sample of 76 examinees, pupils from Niš primary schools, aged 10
(±6 months). The basic sample was divided into three subsamples. The
first subsample, EG1, comprising 28 pupils of both genders,
represented the first experimental group. The second subsample, EG2,
consisting of 22 pupils of both genders, represented the second
experimental group, and the third subsample, KG, which consisted of
26 pupils of both genders, represented the control group. Both
experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) underwent special four-month
programs based on the education of children regarding ergonomic risks
and their prevention, while the control group KG, attended only regular
physical education classes. In addition, all three groups were subjected
to a survey based on the Nordic questio...nnaire and body map, in order
to determine the level of discomfort and pain when sitting or being in
certain positions. Furthermore, all three groups were subjected to
anthropometric measurements, and their postural status was established
by an ultrasonic device (Spinal mouse). This was followed by taking
anthropo-technical measurements of the school chairs and benches
from the classrooms in which the pupils resided. Two measurements of
the examinees were conducted -one at the beginning and the other at
the end of the experimental period. The examinees from the
experimental groups EG1 and EG2 underwent a special training
program on ergonomic risks after which they were distributed a number
of posters, leaflets and pamphlets on proper body posture and proper
way of sitting. These groups had a chance to see a special cartoon on
ergonomic risks and proper body posture, which was followed by an
ergonomic quiz they were asked to do. The difference between the
experimental groups EG1 and EG2 was reflected in the way of
implementation of the two programs. Among other exercises, the
experimental group EG1, had exercises with stability (pilates) balls
during their physical education classes, while the experimental group
EG2 practiced the program "School on the Move" (during the classes,
the children could, when and if they would feel like it, move freely or
do stretching or any other exercises). Group EG1 was shown the
practical application of the ergonomic backpack which was
complemented by weighing the school bags they carry every day. The
obtained data were statistically analyzed and presented in several
tables. Following the set objectives, tasks and research hypotheses, the
conclusions were drawn which indicate the positive effects of the
experimental programs and the negative impact of school furniture on
the postural status of the examinees. A proposal was made to change
the size and shape of school furniture, which should be adjusted to the
examinees’ anthropometric measures. According to the obtained
results, the experimental group EG1, working with stability balls, had
statistically more significant results than the experimental group EG2
and the control group KG. The experimental group EG2, which applied
the concept of "School on the move", had statistically more significant
results in comparison to the control group KG. As for the children’s
postural status, the different programs and approaches applied with
experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) and the control group KG point to
the fact that there were statistically significant effects with the
examinees of the experimental groups in terms of body posture. The
Nordic test, used in the final measurement with the experimental group
EG1 revealed good statistical significance in reducing discomfort and
pain in the neck area, while the experimental group EG2 confirmed
statistical significance in reducing pain and discomfort during
prolonged sitting. This research has its practical and theoretical value.
First of all, there is a great need to pay attention to children in growth,
because there is a high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in
the spine region, as well as of other hypertension diseases, hypokinesia,
obesity, cardiac and vascular disorders. This study could serve as a
pilot research for a larger and more complex scientific research in the
field of prevention of musculoskeletal and other changes.
