Prevalence of Rounded Shoulders and Its Association with Craniovertebral Angle among Freelancers

Background: In today's digital age, prolonged use of computers and laptops, especially among office workers and freelancers, has led to a rise in postural issues. Poor ergonomic habits can contribute to musculoskeletal imbalances, particularly affecting the neck and shoulders. Rounded shoulder posture and changes in craniovertebral angle are common among individuals with sedentary work routines. Understanding the prevalence and correlation of these conditions is essential for promoting workplace ergonomics and preventive health strategies. Objective: To find the prevalence of rounded shoulders and its association with craniovertebral angle among freelancers. Methodology: The cross-sectional study on the prevalence of rounded shoulders among freelancers and its association with craniovertebral angle on prolonged laptop use posture. This study included 323 participants who work in software houses as freelancers in Faisalabad. Using a convenience sampling technique, with the inclusion criteria of age between 18-50 years, both genders were included, and the estimated working hours were 8. The exclusion criteria were participants with any muscular deformity, paralysis, infection, or trauma from the last three months. Participants with rounded shoulders and a Craniovertebral angle were assessed. A universal goniometer was used to assess the craniovertebral angle, a vernier calliper for the assessment of rounded shoulders and a neck pain rating scale to check the neck pain and the neck disability index for the neck disability. Statistical analyzes was performed using SPSS version 26 with frequency distribution and chi-square test to analyse any correlation between rounded shoulder and craniovertebral angle and neck disability index. The significance level was set as p≤0.05. Results: A chi-square was conducted on 323 participants, and the results conclude that there is a significant correlation between rounded shoulders and craniovertebral angle. Using a computer and a laptop in poor posture for a long period causes an impact on the neck and shoulder ergonomics and neck and other symptoms. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a significant association between rounded shoulders and craniovertebral angle, and using a laptop in poor posture for a long period of time can have a bad impact on neck and shoulder ergonomics.