The silent strain: a cross-sectional study on postural biomechanical alterations and musculoskeletal health in security guards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17267/2238-2704rpf.2026.e6498Keywords:
Cross-Sectional Studies, Musculoskeletal Pain, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, PostureAbstract
BACKGROUND: Security guards often remain in prolonged static standing positions, predisposing them to subtle postural deviations and musculoskeletal pain. Despite this occupational risk, few studies have comprehensively examined these associations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate postural deviations in the anterior, posterior, and sagittal planes using photogrammetry and to explore their correlation with musculoskeletal pain among male security guards. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months involving 100 male security guards aged 30–50 years. Postural variables were analyzed using the Advanced Postural and Environmental Correction System (APECS) software through digital photogrammetry, while pain and symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation with Benjamini–Hochberg correction. RESULTS: Significant postural deviations were observed, particularly in shoulder and body alignment across the anterior and posterior coronal planes (r = 0.612, p < 0.001; r = 0.524, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between ASIS inclination and lower back pain (r = 0.442, p = 0.002), while PSIS inclination showed a weak association (r = 0.260, p = 0.072). Other postural variables demonstrated weak or non-significant correlations with musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION: Despite evident postural asymmetries, only weak to moderate associations with musculoskeletal pain were identified. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of occupational pain and underscore the need for ergonomic modifications and movement variability in preventive programs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nidhi Sharma, Anamika Kundu, Simranjeet Kaur
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
