A survey of 2,000 adults working at a desk showed that 12% of them thought they had poor posture, characterised by a tendency to stoop when standing or slouch when sitting.
The main culprits for this were sitting at a desk all day (61%) and not moving enough (42%), but technology also contributes, the Mirror reported.
As many as 26% believe carrying heavy laptops, cables, chargers and other gadgets negatively affects their posture. Similarly, 59% admit that hunching over devices, especially mobile phones, is also a problem.
A spokesperson for HONOR, which commissioned the research for the launch of the Magic V3 all-in-one foldable phone, said:
"We've coined a term to describe the impact of technology on our posture - technology torsion. As the number of days in the office increases, workers are having to carry their belongings more than they are used to."
"This can certainly strain our bodies, often without us even realising it. While carrying heavy items can provide some fitness benefits, it's crucial to prioritize proper techniques and safety to prevent injuries and long-term damage to your body. I'm sure many employees would appreciate carrying a lighter load every time they travel to and from work, especially if they have a long journey ahead of them," the spokesperson added.
The study found that the average office worker's bag weighs approximately five kilograms - as much as an average-sized pumpkin. A third carry two bags to and from work, usually filled with items such as phones, laptops, water bottles and chargers.
More than a quarter (26%) of those carrying bags experience shoulder discomfort due to the strain. Meanwhile, 23% of those surveyed via OnePoll.com suffer from lower back pain and a fifth feel strain in their arms.
As a consequence, 30% of them do stretches or specific exercises to relieve the pain in their body. In addition, 15% fear that the weight of what they are carrying may negatively affect their health.
Nearly four in 10 (39%) would prefer to carry fewer tech devices and accessories to and from work, and 22% admit that the thought of carrying a heavy bag deters them from going to the office.
To help travellers avoid the chronic pain of carrying heavy items on their daily commute, HONOR collaborated with medical expert Dr Rebecca Jade Lawrence to offer tips and helpful stretches and exercises.
Reviewing the study, Dr Rebecca Jade Lawrence said:
"The results reflect common problems and trends seen in patients and the general population. When heavy and/or multiple bags are carried on a regular basis, this can contribute to or exacerbate musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, shoulder strain and posture problems."
"The study highlights several important insights into the relationship between sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs and musculoskeletal health. This is consistent with what we know from clinical practice, where musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common reasons for medical consultations," Lawrence said.
"However, there are ways that commuters can combat this, be it through exercise or stretches, to even rethinking what bag or tech devices you use," the health expert added. | BGNES
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