The Association between Craniovertebral Angle and Hand Grip Strength in Individuals Working on Computers: An Observational Study Protocol

Background: The software business is expanding at a rapid pace. Computers are vital in every industry. To use a computer, you must spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer screen. Prolonged computer use combined with an inadequate work-rest cycle, particularly when using input devices, causes postural stress due to poor workstation ergonomics, which is directly linked to musculoskeletal issues and can cause neck pain and changes in the craniovertebral angle, resulting in forward head posture (FHP). It is measured with a modified universal goniometer. Neck pain was found to be common among office workers over the previous 12 months. Extended mouse use, long typing sessions, and uncomfortable hand placement may all have an impact on grip strength in computer workers. Dentists, surgeons, hairdressers, and basket weavers also have a forward head posture. This study is needed to investigate the association between craniovertebral angle, handgrip strength, and neck pain in people who use computers.

Outcome Measures: Craniovertebral angle measured with a modified universal goniometer, neck pain using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire, and hand grip strength measured using a digital handheld dynamometer.

Statistical Analysis: The data will be collected and descriptive statistics like mean, and standard deviation after ensuring the normal distribution will be analysed using SPSS version 21 software. Shapiro-Wilk Test will be used to check the normal distribution of data. If the data follows a normal distribution then the Pearson correlation coefficient will be used and if data does not follow a normal distribution then the Spearman Correlation will be used to find a correlation among normal and abnormal craniovertebral angle, neck pain, right and left hand grip strength.

Conclusion: This observational study will be helpful for understanding and building up essential information for the association between forward head posture, neck pain, and grip strength.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), with the registration number for the trial being CTRI/2022/07/044312.