Impact of Architecture Students' Study-Rest Schedules on Pain and Upper Extremity Functionality

Abstract

Background: The intensity of architecture students' work-rest schedules can cause work-related musculoskeletal pain and upper extremity disfunction. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of architectural students' study-rest schedules on the musculoskeletal pain and upper extremity functionality. Methods: A total of 174 architectural students (99 female, 75 male) were included in the study. The questionnaire initially recorded demographic information. Data were collected using the body diagram of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The body diagram of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was integrated with the Visual Analogue Scale. Pain intensity in the marked regions on the body diagram was evaluated with the VAS, and upper extremity functionality was assessed with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Results: There was a difference in the pain intensity between male and female students (p < 0.05). Students who had longer study duration and longer uninterrupted study duration experienced higher levels of pain intensity in most region of body and more effect on the functionality of the upper extremities (p < 0.05). Conversely, there was a reduction in both pain intensity and upper extremity functionality impairment with increasing total rest time (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the data obtained from the study indicated that students' study-rest schedules were associated with musculoskeletal pain and upper extremity functionality.