Association of Musculoskeletal Pain With Sedentary Behavior in Public School Teachers: The Role of Habitual Physical Activity

Abstract

BackgroundSedentary behavior has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in school teachers. However, our hypothesis is that physical activity practice could mitigate this association. AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of musculoskeletal pain with high screen-based sedentary behavior among public school teachers and whether physical activity could mitigate this relationship. MethodA sample of 246 teachers from 13 public schools were assessed (45.0 ± 10.4 years, 76.0% of women). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, screen-based sedentary behavior was measured considering the sum of screen time in television, computer, and smartphone/tablet, and physical activity using the Baecke habitual physical activity questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the associations between high screen-based sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal pain in school teachers (Model 1-unadjusted; Model 2-adjusted by age, sex, and socioeconomic status; Model 3-variables of Model 2 + adjusted by physical activity). ResultsHigh screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with pain in neck (odds ratio = 2.09; 95%confidence interval = 1.08-4.04), upper back (odds ratio = 2.21; 95%confidence interval = 1.07-4.56), and low back (odds ratio = 1.91; 95%confidence interval = 1.00-3.65). However, after inserting the variables, including physical activity, these associations were mitigated. ConclusionsHigh screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, this relationship was mitigated after the inclusion of confounding variables, including physical activity.