Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sara Moreira,Cristina Mesquita,Paula Clara Santos,Jorge Machado,Sofia Lopes,Maria Begoña Criado,Maria Salomé Ferreira

doi:10.3390/ijerph18147604

Abstract

A lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim: (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. Results: MSS occurred in the lumbar region (56.3%), neck (43.7%), and shoulders (39.5%). 44.7% of the participants reported a low level of PA. The percentage of compliance was similar among women and men (62.2% vs. 58.5%, respectively). Negative correlations were found between pain intensity and metabolic equivalent values. The participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported a lower frequency of MSS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that computer workers presented a higher frequency of MSS in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Regarding the level of PA, participants were mostly classified as low. Participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported lower MSS than those who did not. This finding could be important in obtaining successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in this group of workers.

Highlights

When analysing the literature on occupational health, it is possible to observe that concern about workers0 health has been growing [1]
Significant differences were found between genders in relation to body mass index (BMI), with males showing higher values compared to females
This study evaluated the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months and in the last 7 days in computer workers (CW), determined the perception of physical activity (PA) level as well as the compliance with PA recommendations made by World Health Organization (WHO), and verified if there was a relationship between compliance with the recommendations and the MSS

Summary

Introduction

When analysing the literature on occupational health, it is possible to observe that concern about workers0 health has been growing [1] In this sense, increasing physical activity (PA), besides the improvement of metabolism and cognition aspects and the reduction of stress, seems to play a key role in reducing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and reducing the economic and social costs associated with them [2]. MSS occur in a variety of locations directly related to the function performed and the associated technical gesture Physical factors, such as the overloading of some muscle groups, stress, prolonged maintenance of incorrect postures, repeatability of the same pattern of movement, and mechanical compression of body structures, are included in the risk factors for WRMI [4]. When a worker is constantly exposed to risk factors, the symptoms that were initially intermittent become permanent, interfering with both the ability to work and with daily life activities [4,5]

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