Abstract
PurposeTo explore the prospective association of objectively measured and self-reported occupational physical activity (OPA) with multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among Danish eldercare workers.MethodsThe study population consisted of eldercare workers in 20 Danish nursing homes (N = 553, response rate 59%, 525 female). Baseline data were collected in 2013–2014 and the 1-year follow-up was completed in 2016. At baseline, we measured objective OPA by a thigh-worn ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer during work and self-reported OPA by a questionnaire survey. Information on musculoskeletal pain during the past four weeks in seven different body sites was reported by a structured questionnaire at baseline (n = 389) and by SMS and telephone interview during follow-up (n = 284). MSP was defined as having pain in two or more body sites. Using log-binomial models we calculated risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the association between objectively measured and self-reported OPA and MSP.ResultsWe found statistically significant positive associations between self-reported OPA (RR for high OPA 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.46) and MSP while there was no significant association found between objective OPA and MSP.ConclusionOur study indicates that self-reported, but not objectively measured OPA is positively associated with MSP. This finding highlights the need for better understanding, use, and interpretation of self-reported and objectively measured OPA in the study of MSP.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general and working population (Vos et al 2017) and affects both working careers and life after retirement (WHO 2003)
The mean age of the participants was 46.3 ± 10.5 years and there was a significant difference in the mean age between three groups of objective occupational physical activity (OPA) with youngest in low objective OPA group and oldest in high OPA group
We found in this prospective follow-up study among eldercare workers that self-reported high OPA was associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP), while high objectively measured OPA was not significantly associated with MSP
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general and working population (Vos et al 2017) and affects both working careers and life after retirement (WHO 2003). Multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) appears relatively stable over time (Kamaleri et al 2009; Neupane et al 2018), with studies of working age to older age people showing diminishing pain after retirement (Neupane et al 2018). Earlier studies have reported that compared to singlesite pain, MSP has severe consequences for daily functioning (Saastamoinen et al 2006; Kamaleri et al 2008) poor work ability and sickness absence (Neupane et al 2015; Haukka et al 2006). Despite the negative impact of MSP on the working population, risk factors of MSP have not been established. Earlier studies have reported several occupational exposures (Neupane et al 2018; Kamaleri et al 2008; Haukka et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
