Chapter28 - Musculoskeletal twin studies

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most pervasive conditions that contribute substantially to illness, pain, and disability, as well as global health and economic burden. The burden of disease, causing people to have health status less than an ideal health is usually assessed by the number of years lived with disability (YLD). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, leading to YLD has been on the rise in recent decades. In addition to the health burden of musculoskeletal disorders, these conditions have substantially contributed to the global economic burden. Therefore, it is crucial for the scientific community to conduct sophisticated and robust research on musculoskeletal conditions to lessen the increasing global health and economic burden. Involving twins or incorporating twin designs in musculoskeletal studies can contribute to the advancement of musculoskeletal research.