Biomechanical Approach for evaluating Musculoskeletal Problems in Girl’s Students of General Schools and Madrasah in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are becoming increasingly common among school-aged children, particularly adolescent girls, due to prolonged exposure to ergonomically unsuitable classroom environments. This study examines the prevalence and patterns of MSDs among 603 female students aged 10–15 years, drawn from two High Madrasahs and two General Schools in West Bengal, India. Methods: Data were collected through the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), enabling students to self-report discomfort across ten body regions. Additionally, postural assessments were conducted using goniometric analysis of joint angles and photographic evaluation of the centre of gravity (CG). Results: Findings revealed a notably high incidence of discomfort in the neck (84.21%), lower arms (80.00%), and trunk (72.00%) among 15-year-old Madrasah students. In contrast, students from General Schools demonstrated greater deviations in shoulder and elbow joint angles, primarily due to mismatched desk heights. The knee joint exhibited the highest angular deviation, indicating significant stress from prolonged sitting. Center of gravity assessments indicated a forward shift in both vertical and horizontal axes during working postures—particularly among General School students—suggesting a tendency toward forward-leaning and poor spinal alignment. Conclusion: These results highlight the critical need for ergonomic intervention in classroom furniture design to better match students' anthropometric dimensions. Prolonged use of inappropriate seating significantly contributes to MSDs, with the impact intensifying with age and extended exposure. Effective mitigation strategies, such as posture education, ergonomic furniture redesign, and structured posture breaks, are essential to reduce biomechanical stress. This study underscores that ergonomic improvements are not merely a matter of comfort but are fundamental to safeguarding the health and enhancing the academic performance of adolescent girls.