Social Distancing in COVID-19: What Are the Implications for Musculoskeletal Problems and the Quality of Life?
10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.2.84
- Author:
Tae-Hyeong KIM
1
;
Hyun-Jun JEE
;
Chan-Woo BAE
;
Sil-Ah CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Therapy, Ansan University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
2021;33(2):84-90
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study examined the effects of social distancing in COVID-19 on musculoskeletal problems and the quality of life.
Methods:One hundred and thirty-five subjects participated in this study and responded to an online survey on stress from the social distancing in COVID-19, computer and smartphone usages, musculoskeletal pain, and quality of life. The stress from social distancing was assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The Neck Disability Index (NDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were provided to assess the musculoskeletal pain, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) was provided to assess the quality of life. Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and independent t-test were used for data analysis.
Results:Statistically significant, but low positive correlation stress from the social distancing (VAS) and NDI (r=0.19, p<0.05) and ODI (r=0.18, p<0.05), and negative correlation between stress from the social distancing (VAS) and SF-36 (r=-0.17, p<0.05). The NDI score was significantly greater in the group with high stress than in the group with low stress from social distancing (p<0.05).
Conclusion:This study is meaningful in that it evaluated, through the physical therapy approaches, the potential side-effects on physical and mental health in various social changes caused by COVID-19. The results of this study may be used as basic data in future studies related to COVID-19.
