MSDs in School Students

A large number of Iranian students suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), according to the head of Iranian Physiotherapy Association. “Studies conducted in and outside Iran confirm that children of various ages are highly prone to such disorders,” said Dr Mohammadali Mohseni-Bandpei, who also heads the first International and 28th National Physiotherapy Association Congress to be held May 24-26 in Tehran. MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, nerves, discs). A survey of 5,000 school students revealed that 20% of students suffer from chronic lower back pain, he said, Mehr News Agency reported. One of the contributing factors is heavy backpacks they carry to school daily. “Also sitting behind desks for long hours, improper posture, and physical inactivity are major contributors,” he added.