Abstract

Musculoskeletal discomfort is increasingly common among college students, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, due to prolonged sitting and frequent use of electronic devices. This study examines the relationship between posture habits, study behaviors, ergonomic awareness, and musculoskeletal discomfort among students at Eastern Kentucky University. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data through an anonymous Qualtrics questionnaire. Participants reported their study duration, posture habits, device usage, ergonomic awareness, and levels of musculoskeletal pain using a 0–10 scale.

Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify patterns among variables. Results indicated that while study duration alone did not show a consistent relationship with pain levels, posture habits demonstrated a clearer association. Students who reported more frequent slouching and poor posture also reported higher levels of musculoskeletal discomfort. Additionally, lower ergonomic awareness and limited use of proper study environments were associated with increased reports of pain.

These findings suggest that posture habits may play a more direct role in musculoskeletal discomfort than study time alone. Understanding these relationships is important for improving student health and well-being, as well as promoting better ergonomic practices in academic environments. This study highlights the importance of not only how long students study, but how they study.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2026

Mentor

Autumn Whitson

Mentor Department Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Biological Sciences

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6983

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