Prevalence of Core Muscle Strength Among IT Professionals: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: The core is a muscular unit comprising the abdominal, paraspinal, gluteal, diaphragmatic and pelvic floor musculature that stabilises the pelvis and spine. Adequate core function maintains segmental stability, protects the spine, and reduces stress on the intervertebral discs and lumbar vertebrae. Prolonged faulty posture, sedentary work, and physical inactivity — common among information technology (IT) professionals — can lead to core muscle weakness, muscular imbalance, and an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.  Methods: An observational study was conducted among IT professionals aged 25–55 years at Roadmap IT Solutions, Reddiarpalayam, Puducherry. A total of 150 participants (75 male, 75 female) were recruited using convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, demographic details (age, gender, height, weight) were recorded and core muscle strength was assessed using the Prone Plank Test.  Results: Of the 150 participants, 17.3% demonstrated normal core muscle strength while 84% showed weakness on the Prone Plank Test. Weakness was more prevalent in females (86.6%) than males (78.6%), and increased markedly with age, reaching 100% among participants older than 35 years.  Conclusion: Core muscle weakness is highly prevalent among IT professionals, with a gradient of weakness that is most pronounced laterally, followed by the posterior and then the anterior core. Weakness was more common in female participants than male participants. These findings support the need for targeted core-strengthening programmes in this occupational group.