RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIFESTYLE HABITS AND POSTURAL FACTORS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This literature review analyzed the association between postural factors and lifestyle habits and musculoskeletal complaints in university students. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro and SciELO, restricted to full texts available in open access and published between January 2019 and July 2026. Selection took place in two stages, with methodological quality assessed by an 8-item checklist and narrative synthesis. A total of 414 records were identified and 39 studies were included, conducted in 23 countries, most of them cross-sectional. Associations were more frequent when posture was self-reported or observed, such as neck inclination, slouched sitting and prolonged sitting, while objective posture measures showed divergent results. Among lifestyle habits, poor or short sleep, prolonged sitting and screen time were associated with complaints in several studies, and physical activity showed the most divergent results. The findings indicate associations, although heterogeneous, and should be read with caution due to the predominance of cross-sectional designs, self-report and limited control of confounders. Longitudinal studies with standardized, objective measures are needed, and the findings provide a basis for ergonomics and health promotion actions in the university environment.