High Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Pain Research Articles

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents and its association with the use of electronic devices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of electronic devices has reconfigured the daily life of adolescents; however, their excessive use may be associated to health problems. This study aimed at observing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among adolescents and its association with the use of computers and videogames. METHODS: Sample was made up of 265 adolescents of both genders (14 to 19 years old), students of a public school, who have answered a questionnaire about the use of electronic devices, musculoskeletal pain, physical activity and demographics. Values of absolute and relative frequency, confidence intervals and mean and standard deviation were expressed for descriptive analysis. Independent t and Chi-square tests were used for comparison between genders, and multiple logistic regression model was used for association test. All tests had significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 72.1%, being significantly higher for females. There has been no association between musculoskeletal pain and the use of electronic devices; however it was identified that females had 10.66 times more probability of reporting this type of pain. Cervical and thoraco-lumbar pains were associated to females (OR=1.80), and individuals attending the 2nd and 3rd year were associated to cervical pain (OR≥2.26). CONCLUSION: There has been high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among adolescents, especially females. Although not observing association between pain and use of electronic devices, it was noted that those attending the last years of high school and of the female gender had higher risk to develop musculoskeletal pain.

Musculoskeletal pain among Midwest farmers and associations with agricultural activities.

Although agricultural workers experience a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, associations between specific agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain are not well characterized. Among 518 regional farmers, responses to a mailed questionnaire were used to estimate (i) the 2-week prevalence of low back, neck/shoulder, and elbow/wrist/hand pain, and (ii) associations between the average hours per week performing common agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain. The low back was the most common location of musculoskeletal pain (33.2%), followed by the neck/shoulder (30.8%) and elbow/wrist/hand (21.6%). Statistically significant adjusted associations were observed between performing equipment repair and maintenance and low back pain; milking animals and neck/shoulder pain; and manual material handling and elbow/wrist/hand pain, among others. The observed prevalence estimates are consistent with previous literature, and the associations between agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain provide an initial basis for targeted intervention research.

Individual and work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study among Estonian computer users.

BackgroundOccupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal disorders, which are now the most commonly diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) by anatomical region during the past 12 months and to investigate its association with personal characteristics and work-related risk factors among Estonian office workers using computers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, the questionnaires were sent to the 415 computer users. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire from 202 computer users at two universities in Estonia. The questionnaire asked about MSP at different anatomical sites, and potential individual and work related risk factors. Associations with risk factors were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsMost respondents (77%) reported MSP in at least one anatomical region during the past 12 months. Most prevalent was pain in the neck (51%), followed by low back pain (42%), wrist/hand pain (35%) and shoulder pain (30%). Older age, right-handedness, not currently smoking, emotional exhaustion, belief that musculoskeletal problems are commonly caused by work, and low job security were the statistically significant risk factors for MSP in different anatomical sites.ConclusionsA high prevalence of MSP in the neck, low back, wrist/arm and shoulder was observed among Estonian computer users. Psychosocial risk factors were broadly consistent with those reported from elsewhere. While computer users should be aware of ergonomic techniques that can make their work easier and more comfortable, presenting computer use as a serious health hazard may modify health beliefs in a way that is unhelpful.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among nursing surgery teams

Among the health professions, nursing, in particular, has been affected by musculoskeletal disorders. The WMSD produce changes in the lives of these workers, impossible of them held daily activities and labour. Objective: Investigating the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated with the quality of life in nursing professionals who work in surgery teams. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted between March 2011 and January 2012 in a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil. We evaluated 110 workers nursing teams. It was excluded workers on sick leave, vacation or other absence during the period of data collection. The musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire the quality of life was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36). The relationship between musculoskeletal pain and quality of life were analyzed by the U of Mann-Whitney test, using a significance level of 95%. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain found in this study was 91.81%. With respect to anatomic regions, it was considered the complaints of musculoskeletal pain retroactive twelve months ago, where there was the predominance of neck pain (56%) and shoulders (56%). When we consider sick leaving for musculoskeletal pain we found the prevalence of low back pain (34%). The group who reported no musculoskeletal pain showed better indices of quality of life in the areas of physical functioning, physical aspect, bodily pain, vitality, social and mental health aspect. Conclusion: the higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck and shoulder regions. Moreover, the largest number of sick leaves occurs because of the prevalence of low back pain among nursing staff of the surgical teams. The pain influenced the quality of life affecting six of the areas assessed.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Purpose: The goal of our study was to assess the prevalence of specific musculoskeletal pain complaints in patients with developmental disabilities and how they compare to the general population. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted at an outpatient hospital based primary care office serving patients with developmental disabilities in Northern New Jersey Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of 17.02% of musculoskeletal complaints in this population. This is similar to their peers without developmental disabilities. Of the patients seen, those with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy had the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Low back and knee pain were the most common complaints. Females were noted to be more than two times likely than males to have musculoskeletal pain, but no significant difference was found between age groups. Conclusions: We concluded that individuals with developmental diseases require equal vigilance for musculoskeletal pain because of similar prevalence as the general population and likelihood of communication deficits with intellectual disabilities

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Assessment of Ergonomic Factors in Undergraduate Dental Students: An Observational Study

ABSTRACT Background The musculoskeletal health of dental pro- fessionals has been the focus of several studies globally. It has been estimated that work-related musculoskeletal injuries occur in 54 to 93% of dental professionals. However, when it comes to studies carried out on dental students, there is a dearth of information. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the ergonomic factors and presence of muscular pain in dental students undergoing clinical training at Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, India. Materials and methods Data collection was carried out on a sample of 103 students pursuing their undergraduate program in dentistry using a structured questionnaire comprising questions pertaining to the recipient's sociodemographic information, ergonomic features, medical information, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from clinical practice, musculoskeletal demands, posture related queries, workplace, instruments and exercises. Results The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dental students. Further, the study also highlighted the lack of knowledge among the students which could have led to the aggravation of symptoms. Conclusion Therefore, it is essential to include ergonomics in the dental curriculum so as to educate students regarding adoption of healthy postures and subsequently reduce the risk of MSDs. The etiology of musculoskeletal disease is multifactorial and consequently preventive strategies should focus on ergo- nomics, breaks at work, general health and physical exercise. How to cite this article Kumar RV, Anuroopa P, Nalini MS, Savita S. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Assessment of Ergonomic Factors in Undergraduate Dental Students: An Observational Study. J Health Sci Res 2014;5(2):1-5.

National variations in back pain: Ecological fallacy or cultural differences?

National variations in back pain: Ecological fallacy or cultural differences?

Musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in a Nigerian University

Musculoskeletal disorder is a significant health problem affecting adults and young people alike. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain resulting from musculoskeletal disorders is on the increase especially with increased use of laptops. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife who use laptops. This was a cross-sectional study and participants were selected using the non-probability sampling technique. The Boston University Computer and Health Survey questionnaire was self-administered to 400 undergraduate laptop users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. Three hundred and seventy six out of 400 copies of administered questionnaires were amenable to data analysis representing a response rate of 94%. Pain in the shoulder was the most reported musculoskeletal complaint from 268 (75.7%) participants. Elbow pain was the least common complaint from 132 (37.3%) participants. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was slightly higher among female students 93 (50.3%) of 185 and highest among students aged between 24 and 26 years: 60 (37.5%). In addition, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was highest among those who used single-strap laptop bags 176 (94.1%). There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in OAU and shoulder pain was the most commonly reported.

Musculoskeletal pain among healthcare workers: An exploratory study on gender differences

Musculoskeletal disorder rates among healthcare workers are high compared to other occupational groups. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in women as compared to men in most productive sectors. The objectives of our study were to assess the prevalence of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain in male and female employees of the Belo Horizonte municipal Health Department, and to identify associated factors, considering individual and occupational characteristics, by gender. This cross-sectional study of a proportional sample of 1,721 subjects from a universe of 13,602 workers in the municipal health system evaluated the prevalence of self-reported upper-limb musculoskeletal pain. The magnitude of the associations was estimated by Poisson regression. The prevalence of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain was 24.1% among women and 11.0% among men. Women who had high domestic workloads, and performed tasks under high strain showed high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. For women and men, a high prevalence of upper-limb pain was reported by those who performed highly physically demanding tasks, and those exposed to poor environmental conditions. The findings suggest gender differences in the distribution of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain across occupational groups. It also support initiatives that focus on the need to give visibility to the different effects of working conditions on the health of occupational groups and suggest the importance of developing specific measures to promote women's health. The higher prevalence of pain observed among women with high domestic workloads suggests the importance of these activities when evaluating workload in occupational studies.

Effects of Kettlebell Training on Postural Coordination and Jump Performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a worksite intervention using kettlebell training to improve postural reactions to perturbation and jump performance. This single-blind randomized controlled trial involved 40 adults (n = 40) from occupations with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (mean age 44 years, body mass index 23 kg·m, 85% women). A blinded examiner took measures at baseline and follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to a training group-doing kettlebell swings 3 times a week for 8 weeks-or to a control group. The outcome measures were postural reactions to sudden perturbation and maximal countermovement jump height. Compared with the control group, the training group had a significant decreased stopping time after perturbation (-109 ms, 95% confidence interval [-196 to -21]). Jump height increased significantly in the training group (1.5 cm, 95% confidence interval [0.5 to 2.5]), but this was nonsignificantly different from control. Kettlebell training improves postural reactions to sudden perturbation. Future studies should investigate whether kettlebell training can reduce the risk of low back injury in occupations with manual material handling or patient handling where sudden perturbations often occur.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain And It's Correlation to Functional Disability in Elderly

Introduction: In process of getting old, different systems of the body get weak and this increases the dependence of adults on other people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain and its correlation with functional disability. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 1614 old persons participated. The study was done in Amir cola in 1390-91. The information was gathered by three questionnaires of demographic features, pain and functional disability (Katz Scale). The data was analyzed by the chi- square statistical test. Results: 54.7% of the participants were male and 45.35 were female. Pain was reported for 1330 people (82.4%) that 47.5% was in upper body, 73.2% in lower body and 24.5% in head and neck. Pain in upper body was mostly reported in shoulders for 606 people (37.5%) and for lower body mostly in knees for 1018 people (63.1%). Pain was reported in females more than males and females had pain in lower body (knee) more than other parts of the body. In this study 3.7% of people had functional disability. There was no significant correlation between pain and functional disability (P=0.24). Conclusions: The results of this research showed high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in old people of Amir cola. Prevalence of pain in women was higher than in man. The most prevalent of pain area was knee joint. This indicates the necessity of medical interventions in form of prevention training.

The WHO ILAR COPCORD Latin America

T he Community-Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) was launched through the concerted effort of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) and World Health Organization (WHO) in the early 1980s to acquire data on musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and disability. Its focus was on the developing world. COPCORD was designed a lowcost low-infrastructure model and was to be carried out in 3 successive stagesVcollect population data in a house-to-house survey (stage 1), educate community and identify risk factors (stage 2), and implement control and preventive strategies (stage 3). The key issues were identification of a welldefined sampling frame (not necessarily randomized) population and a grassroots rheumatologyoriented physician. COPCORD surveys have been completed in 22 countries. Started in the Philippines, COPCORD rapidly swept across the Asia-Pacific region and has traditionally enjoyed a vantage position with the Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology. After slow beginnings, rapid strides were made in Latin America, and the recent COPCORD surveys in Mexico and Guatemala, with sufficient population samples, have unraveled newer insights in community rheumatology and epidemiology in particular. COPCORD Guatemala was a well-planned and executed survey of 8000 population and equally divided between urban and rural communities. Importantly, the whole survey was completed in a timely fashion (9 months) using the COPCORD Bhigwan (India) fast-track model. Earlier in 1996, a 7000+ population survey was completed in the village of Bhigwan in 5 weeks’ time. The model advocates a carefully designed and a prioriYrehearsed strategy, well-coordinated team effort (physicians and a large team of trained local health volunteers), and a field operation in which the 3 phases of stage 1 survey are completed in parallel. Speedy execution is a critical factor (population survey) to ensure robust community compliance and response, comprehensive data capture, and a truly suitable ‘‘point prevalence’’ data. COPCORD Guatemala should be viewed in a Latin American perspective. Table 1 provides an overview of some of the key prevalence data from COPCORD surveys in the region. All surveys used a similar COPCORD core questionnaire (CCQ) that was earlier adapted (regional use) and validated. The primary outcome was MSK pain and disability. Except for the Guatemala survey, all other COPCORD surveys were carried out in randomized population samples. The diversity in culture, traditions, dialect, and lifestyle in Latin America is striking and a challenge to community surveys and national prevalence statistics, and this was well described by both COPCORD Mexico and Guatemala. Although the crude point prevalence of MSK pain (11.9%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 0.7%), osteoarthritis (OA; 2.8%), and gout (0.01%) in Guatemala was intriguingly less compared to that in other Latin American countries (Table 1), nonetheless it represents a significant burden of rheumatic disorders in the community. The frequency of low back pain was abysmally low, and no case of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was reported. Most of the members of the community in Guatemala lead modest and hard lifestyles (labor-intensive) and probably do not consider low back pain important enough compared with other MSK pain and disorders (Abraham Kutzbach, personal communication). The frequency of HLA B27 is considered to be lower in the community and relatively fewer of cases of AS are seen (AbrahamKutzbach, personal communication). COPCORD Guatemala has reported a higher prevalence of MSK pain and disorders in the rural community. A national COPCORD survey of 19,213 people in 5 study sites (Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Yucatan, and Mexico City) was recently carried out in Mexico. Although national prevalence statistics were reported, there were obvious differences between study sites, for example, the minimum and maximum prevalence rates were 1% (Mexico City) and 2.8% (Yucatan) for RA, 2.5% (Sinaloa) and 20.5% (Chihuahua) for OA, 0.1% (Yucatan) and 0.8% (Chihuahua) for gout, and EDITORIAL

Statin Use and Musculoskeletal Pain Among Adults With and Without Arthritis

Background Musculoskeletal symptoms are common adverse effects of statins, yet little is known about the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and statin use in the general population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. We estimated the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain according to statin use and calculated prevalence ratio estimates of musculoskeletal pain obtained from adjusted multiple logistic regression modeling. Results Among 5170 participants without arthritis, the unadjusted prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher for statin users reporting pain in any region (23% among statin users, 95% confidence interval [CI], 19-27, compared with 18% among those not using statins, 95% CI, 17-20; P = . 02) and in the lower extremities (12% among statin users, 95% CI, 8-16, compared with 8% among those not using statins, 95% CI, 7-9; P = . 02). Conversely, among 3058 participants with arthritis, statin use was not associated with higher musculoskeletal pain in any region. After controlling for confounders, among those without arthritis, statin use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in any region, the lower back, and the lower extremities (adjusted prevalence ratios: 1.33 [CI, 1.06-1.67]; 1.47 [CI, 1.02-2.13]; 1.59 [CI, 1.12-2.22], respectively). Among participants with arthritis, no association was observed between musculoskeletal pain and statin use on adjusted analyses. Conclusion In this population-based study, statin use was associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower extremities, among individuals without arthritis. Evidence that statin use was associated with musculoskeletal pain among those with arthritis was lacking.

Hard work at home: musculoskeletal pain among female homemakers

This study explores the relationship between housework and musculoskeletal symptoms among homemakers, adjusting for social, demographic and economic factors. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 435 women from Nabaa, a low-income community in Lebanon. In total, 77% of women reported having musculoskeletal pain in the previous 12 months. Both psychosocial and physical factors showed significant associations with musculoskeletal symptoms. Related psychosocial factors included feelings of stress associated with homemaking and homemakers' number of children and self-rated health. The physical factors associated with musculoskeletal pain were feeling fatigued at the end of a housework day, working long hours and working in awkward postures or frequently engaging in repetitive hand movements. Ergonomic stressors were also associated with pain in the back and upper and lower extremities. Women from this community engage in a large number of hours of housework that, alongside other factors, were associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Practitioner Summary: This study contributes to the literature by studying women's housework activities in association with musculoskeletal pain. The role of women in homemaking activities is explored together with physical exposures leading to reported symptoms. This study adds a perspective of a Middle Eastern context to the literature of women's musculoskeletal health.

Análise da carga de trabalho de analistas de sistemas e dos distúrbios osteomusculares

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar avaliação das condições ergonômicas de analistas de sistemas, com a finalidade de conhecer os fatores geradores de sobrecargas físicas e cognitivas, suas repercussões sobre os trabalhadores e propor melhorias para a diminuição dessas sobrecargas. METODOLOGIA: Foram utilizados o método SHTM (sistema homem-tarefa-máquina) de avaliação ergonômica; o diagrama de Corlett, para a avaliação do desconforto corporal; o questionário de avaliação do mobiliário; e o NASA-TLX, para a avaliação de carga mental de trabalho. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas as prevalências de dor na coluna lombar (71%) e na coluna cervical (64%) dos entrevistados. Após a avaliação da carga mental de trabalho, foi observado que a demanda mental foi a mais exigida entre os analistas de sistemas e a média da carga global foi de 13,23. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que a alta prevalência de dor musculoesquelética pode ser causada pela presença de mobiliário inadequado, pela adoção de posturas incorretas e pela alta exigência mental das atividades desenvolvidas.

Controlled 3-year follow-up of a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program in primary health care

Purpose. The high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain generates significant costs for primary health care and the whole of society. The development of appropriate interventions is therefore necessary. The aim of this effectiveness study was to assess the long-term effects of a primary health care multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in Sweden.Methods. An experimental group comprising 89 patients from two primary health care units received individualised treatment interventions after a multidisciplinary investigation. A control group of 69 patients with the same inclusion criteria from four other primary health care units were treated according to routine. All participants completed questionnaires measuring pain, sick leave, quality of life, health care utilisation, drug consumption and psychosocial factors at baseline and at 3-year follow-up.Results. After 3 years, utilisation of primary health care was significantly lower in the experimental group and work capacity was slightly but not significantly higher. The control group showed a trend of having a higher risk of high consumption after 3 years compared to the intervention group. There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning remaining variables such as function, catastrophising and pain.Conclusion. Both groups demonstrated considerable improvement over the course of 3 years. The experimental group had lower health care utilisation and a reduced risk of using large amounts of medication at the 3-year follow-up, indicating that compared with participants in the control group they were coping in a better way with pain.

Angaben über Schmerzen im Bereich des Bewegungsapparats: eine repräsentative Befragung der österreichischen Bevölkerung

The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population as well as an analysis of the different pain parameters and a comparison between the group of persons with and without pain. Relevant data like pain region, pain intensity, duration of treatment and geographic distribution are presented in detail. 503 persons selected by the "quota procedure" as representative for the Austrian population were interviewed face to face. 36.2 % of the interviewed persons reported pain in the musculoskeletal system within the last 3 weeks. The regions of the spine were mentioned most frequently (53.9 %).The groups of persons with and without pain differed significantly in age and geographic distribution. The results are well comparable to data from a similar study from 2006. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population is ascertained. The spine regions are most frequently affected and associated with older age and high intensity of pain. Therefore further specific treatment for patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain and appropriate preventive measurements should be targeted in the future.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Statin Use

Muscle effects are the most common reported adverse effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors (statins). However, in placebo-controlled trials the incidence of muscle pain is most often similar for placebo and active control groups. We sought to evaluate whether statin use was associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in a nationally representative sample. Cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. Participants were 3,580 adults > or =40 years without arthritis who were interviewed at home and examined in a mobile examination center. Participants were asked about sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, medication use, and musculoskeletal pain. Height, weight, blood pressure, ankle brachial index, and cholesterol were measured. Prevalence and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of any musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain in 4 different anatomical regions (neck/upper back, upper extremities, lower back, and lower extremities) by statin use during the last 30 days. Among statin users (n = 402), 22.0% (95%CI 18.0-26.7%) reported musculoskeletal pain in at least 1 anatomical region during the last 30 days, compared with 16.7% (95%CI 15.1-18.4%) of those who did not use a statin. Compared to persons who did not use statins, those who used statins had multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95%CI; p value) of 1.50 (1.07-2.11; p = .01) for any musculoskeletal pain, 1.59 (1.04-2.44, p = .03) for lower back pain, and 1.50 (1.02-2.22, p = .03) for lower extremity pain. Musculoskeletal pain is common in adults > or =40 years without arthritis. In this nationally representative sample, statin users were significantly more likely to report musculoskeletal pain.

A survey of musculoskeletal injuries amongst Canadian massage therapists

A survey was administered to registered massage therapists (RMT) across Canada to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort to the low back, shoulders, neck, wrist and thumbs associated with therapeutic treatments. A total of 502 RMT responded to the survey. Despite the majority of the respondents indicating they received proper training in therapy postures and self-care, there was a high prevalence of pain reporting to all areas of the upper extremity. The highest reporting of pain and discomfort was reported in the wrist and thumb, followed by the low back, neck and shoulders, respectively. There were no significant gender differences in pain/discomfort reporting except for the neck. The results of this survey indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort associated with delivering massage therapy treatments. Therapists must focus on proper technique posture and adhere to a regime of self-care to reduce the risks of pain and injury. Further research is needed to determine the effects of neuromuscular fatigue and technique accommodation as it relates to pain risk.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Is Systematically Higher in Women Than in Men

Many studies report a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in women than in men. This paper presents an overview of sex differences in musculoskeletal pain with specific attention for: different parameters for duration of musculoskeletal pain (ie, 1-y period prevalence, point prevalence, prevalence of chronic pain, and prevalence of persistent chronic pain); and (2) different anatomic pain sites. For the analyses, data from 2 general population-based prospective surveys (Dutch population-based Musculoskeletal Complaints and Consequences Cohort study and Monitoring Project on Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases-study) were used. The study population consisted of persons aged 25 to 64 years living in the Netherlands. Data on self-reported pain complaints were assessed by written questionnaires. The results of this study showed that prevalence rates of musculoskeletal pain were higher for women than for men in the Dutch general population aged 25 to 64 years on the basis of 2 population-based surveys. For musculoskeletal pain in any location, 39% of men and 45% of women reported chronic complaints. Highest female predominance was found for the hip and wrist/hand, whereas lowest and not statistically significant sex differences were found for the lower back and knee. All duration parameters of musculoskeletal pain showed a female predominance of musculoskeletal pain (1-y period prevalence, point prevalence, prevalence of chronic pain, and prevalence of persistent chronic pain). In those with persistent chronic pain, women tended to report higher severity scores. The present study shows that women have higher prevalence rates of musculoskeletal pain in most anatomic pain sites, no matter the duration of musculoskeletal pain. Future research should focus on explaining these sex differences with the ultimate goal to develop better prevention and management strategies for musculoskeletal pain in both men and women.