Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

An exploratory study on sex differences in musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among the Santal indigenous people of West Bengal, India

BackgroundMusculoskeletal pain is a global health concern affecting both sexes. However, recent insights highlighted significant sex differences in its occurrence and experience, which are influenced by various factors. The present study sought to examine sex differences in musculoskeletal pain and, subsequently, explore the factors associated with its occurrence, separately for both adult males and females belonging to the Santal indigenous community.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted in a Santal indigenous community inhabiting Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal, India. It comprised 278 adult individuals, including 112 males and 166 females. Data on socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, reproductive (only for females), and pain-related variables were collected using appropriate tools and protocols.ResultsFemales exhibited a significantly higher incidence of musculoskeletal pain, with nearly half experiencing chronic pain, particularly back pain. Pain intensity and interference of pain were notably higher in females compared to males. Males were less inclined to use treatment for their pain. Hierarchical binary logistic regression revealed that for males, involvement in white-collar jobs showed an inverse association, while engaging in vigorous physical activities demonstrated a positive link with the incidence of musculoskeletal pain. In females, advanced age and a higher number of childbirths were associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal pain.ConclusionThe study reveals significant sex disparities in musculoskeletal pain concerning its prevalence, severity, interference, and treatment-seeking behavior. Additionally, marked differences were observed in the risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain between the sexes. These findings underscore the importance for public health researchers to tailor interventions addressing sex-specific risk factors and experiences, aiming to enhance overall musculoskeletal health and reduce pain-related interference.

The disability profile in primary care may depend on the type of care and pain aspects

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, musculoskeletalpain and its characteristics, and the type of primary health care received with self-reported disability.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, interviewing individuals selected from spontaneous demand for health care in two types of care: health center and family health unit. Disability was investigated using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 and characteristics of intensity, frequency, duration, number of pain sites, and regions. Measures of association between predictors and disability were performed with non-parametric statistical tests, whereas non-parametric regression models were presented for pain characteristics and for the general population.RESULTS: In total, 2.3% of family health users and 7.2% of health center users had severe levels ofdisability. Health center users had more self-reported disability than family health users (p < 0.001). Fewer years of life (p = 0.034) and lower per capita income quintile (p = 0.014) were associated with greater disability. The most intense pain and pain in the greatest number of sites increased the disability score by 1.8 (95%CI = 1.0–2.6) and 6.3 (95%CI = 0.1–12.2) points, respectively. CONCLUSION: Users who had more disabilities sought care at walk-in health centers, had lower per capita income, presented musculoskeletal pain of worse intensity, and pain in a greater number of sites.

Stem and Progenitor Cells for Musculoskeletal Disease Modeling and Tissue Repair

Stem and Progenitor Cells for Musculoskeletal Disease Modeling and Tissue Repair

CORRELATION BETWEEN MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AND COGNITION AMONG UNIVERSITY LEVEL STUDENTS USING THE RUFF FIGURAL FLUENCY TEST.

BACKGROUND: Hand grip strength and function are important for day- to-day tasks. Although chronic pain has long been known to affect cognitive outcomes, new research published in the last decade has focused on the multi-dimensional impacts of pain on multiple cognitive areas; OBJECTIVE: To study cognitive impairment and musculoskeletal pain in university level students and to evaluate the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and cognition in university level students; METHODOLOGY: Study design is cross sectional and observational with sample size87 at MGM SCHOOL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY With age 18 to 27 years having any musculoskeletal pain; RESULTS: The statistical significance of the participants' pain in days with the p value is 0.001 (p<0.001). The amount of errors made by participants with a p value of 0.001 (i.e., p<0.001), the correlation coefficient r-value between the length of the pain episode and the length of the rough figural fluency test was recorded as -0.068, which is statistically insignificant at the 5% level with a non-linear link with a non-linear link, the correlation coefficient r-value for pain duration and ruff figural fluency test errors was observed as -0.11, which is statistically insignificant at the 5% level.CONCLUSION: This study concluded that there is a significant relation between pain and cognition and has a positive correlation between pain and cognition.

Retrospective Analysis of the Characteristics of the Post-COVID Period in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Infected During Different Variant-Associated Periods of COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of coronavirus infection in clinical practice, particular attention has been paid to its acute phase. However, to date, the direct and indirect impact on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after recovery from coronavirus infection remains an open question.OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and laboratory features of the post-COVID period in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during different phases of the infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted using the electronic medical records of 134 patients who had recovered from coronavirus infection.RESULTS: The majority of the patients were women, with no significant differences in age and gender distribution across the groups (p=0.384 and p=0.207, respectively). During the «Omicron» period, there were fewer comorbidities and fewer hospitalized patients compared to the other groups (p<0.0167). Regarding diabetes-related conditions, frequent urination was observed only in patients during the «Alpha» period, while the frequency of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, the severity of chronic kidney disease, and manifestations of polyneuropathy did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.0167). When examining newly diagnosed diseases, a statistically significant difference was found only in musculoskeletal disorders (16.7% in «Alpha» vs. 30.2% in «Delta» vs. 3.7% in «Omicron», p=0.015). In the analysis of laboratory indicators, a difference was detected in platelet counts and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT): median platelet counts were significantly lower in the «Alpha» and «Delta» groups compared to the «Omicron» group (210 [179.2–249.7] x10⁹/L and 218 [196.5–281] x10⁹/L vs. 255 [208–327] x10⁹/L, respectively, p=0.016). The APTT was significantly longer for «Alpha» and «Delta» compared to «Omicron» (28 [23.6–31.3] seconds vs. 30.3 [26.1–34.9] seconds vs. 27.1 [22.4–30.3] seconds, respectively, p=0.013).CONCLUSION: Real-world data allow tracking the development of new symptoms and diseases in patients during the post-COVID period. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the «Omicron» variant-associated period had a lower risk of developing new symptoms and diseases. It is necessary to implement solutions for monitoring target HbA1c levels through medical information systems and to enhance reporting standards for patient symptoms to enable more accurate analysis Real world data (RWD).

Investigation and analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among scientific researchers in computer workstation of an aerospace high-tech enterprise

Objective: To analyze the current situation and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among scientific researchers in a computer workstation of a high-tech aerospace enterprise, and to provide data support for the improvement of occupational health management policies in this type of enterprise. Methods: From March to April 2023, using convenient sampling method, 1398 scientific researchers using computer workstations in an aerospace high-tech enterprise in Beijing were selected as the research subjects. The incidence of WMSDs in various parts of the body was investigated by using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the influencing factors of WMSDs in neck, lower back, shoulder and upper back were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The total incidence of WMSDs was 55.4% (774/1398) in the scientific researchers who used computer workstations. The top 4 body parts in WMSDs incidence were neck (24.3%, 340/1398), lower back (20.4%, 285/1398), shoulder (18.7%, 262/1398), upper back (12.7%, 177/1398). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that feeling slightly tired and tired after work, setting a rest/break time of 10 to 15 min before the next continuous job, and operating computer for 2 to 4 hours and >4 hours were the influencing factors for the occurrence of neck WMSDs (OR=3.08, 1.90, 0.60, 2.00, 1.49, P<0.05). Female, 5-<10 years of working experience, feeling slightly tired, tired and very tired after work, operating computer for 6-<8 hours and 8-10 hours a day were all the influencing factors for the occurrence of WMSDs in the lower back (OR=1.82, 0.64, 2.95, 1.80, 1.61, 1.82, 1.73, P<0.05). Female, feeling slightly tired and tired after work were the influencing factors of shoulder WMSDs occurrence (OR=2.42, 2.09, 2.00, P<0.05). Female, 5-<10 years, 10-15 years of working age, 1-3 times of physical exercise/quarter, feeling slightly tired, tired and very tired after work were the influencing factors for the occurrence of upper back WMSDs (OR=2.76, 2.19, 2.78, 0.48, 4.20, 2.66, 2.19, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The incidence of WMSDs among scientific researchers in computer workstations of aerospace high-tech enterprises is high, which is closely related to individual characteristics and workstation usage characteristics. Measures should be taken to prevent and improve the WMSDs status of scientific researchers.

Assessment of subcutaneous fat tissue thickness as a biomarker for cervical intervertebral disc degeneration

Cervical intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder contributing to neck pain, often associated with mechanical instability of the disc. Obesity and increased subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT) have been identified as key risk factors for the development of IVDD. This study retrospectively analyzed 245 Turkish female patients aged 40–50 years, who presented with neck pain and underwent cervical MRI between 2022 and 2024. Patients with malignancy, prior spinal surgery, congenital anomalies, or artifacts on MRI were excluded. The severity of IVDD at the C6-C7 level was graded using the Pfirrmann system, and SFTT measurements were performed on axial T2-weighted images at the C3, C5, and C7 levels. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation. IVDD was absent in 29.39 % of participants, while the remaining showed varying grades of degeneration, with Grade 2 being the most common (24.08 %). Patients with disc degeneration had significantly higher SFTT at all measured levels (p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified an optimal cutoff value for SFTT at the C7 level as 22.57 mm, with 79.19 % sensitivity and 63.89 % specificity. These results indicate a positive correlation between increased SFTT and both the presence and severity of IVDD, suggesting that SFTT, particularly at the C7 level, may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for IVDD. Further multicenter research is recommended to confirm these findings.Abbreviations: AUC, Area Under the Curve; BMI, Body Mass Index; C, Cervical; IL, Interleukin; IVDD, Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging; ROC, Receiver Operating Characteristic; SFTT, Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Thickness; T2WI, T2-Weighted Image; TNF, Tumor Necrosis Factor.

The Influence of Neck Pain and Sleep Quantity on Headache Burden in Service Members With and Without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Study.

Headache is the most overwhelmingly reported symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The upper cervical spine has been implicated in headache etiology, and cervical dysfunction may result in neck pain that influences the experience of headache. Sleep problem is the second most reported symptom following mTBI. We explored the contribution of neck pain (as a potential proxy for cervical dysfunction) on headache burden along with the contribution of sleep quantity following mTBI. Retrospective data from a repository consisting of service members recruited from primary care, with (N = 493) and without a history of mTBI (N = 63), was used for analysis. Portions of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire were used for headache, sleep, and neck pain measures. Demographic and military characteristics that differed between groups were treated as covariates in analyses. Group comparisons revealed significant differences in the expected direction on all measures: mTBI > controls on headache and neck pain; controls > mTBI on sleep quantity. Regression revealed that neck pain accounted for the most variance in headache score, followed by group membership and sleep quantity. When analyzing groups separately, no difference in the pattern of results was revealed in the mTBI group. In the control group, variance in headache score was only significantly related to neck pain. Amongst service members who sought service from primary care, neck pain explains more variance in headache burden than mTBI history or sleep quantity, supporting that cervical dysfunction may be a salient factor associated with headache. Neck functioning may be a potential area of intervention in the management of headaches.

Characteristics and quality of life of people living with comorbid disorders in substance use recovery residences.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, research on physical and mental health comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people taking medication for OUD (MOUD) and living in recovery residences is sparse. We investigated the prevalence of comorbidities and examined which EQ-5D-5L HRQoL dimensions are most affected by these comorbidities. Data were collected from 358 residents living in 14 Texas-based recovery residences from April 2021 to June 2023. The EQ-5D-5L descriptive system comprises five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression). Each dimension has five levels of perceived problems, dichotomized into "No problems" (level 1) and "Any problems" (levels 2-5) for analyses. Cross-sectional analyses of residents' characteristics, comorbidities (categorized as mental health disorders or association with major body systems), and EQ-5D-5L dimensions were conducted using Chi-squared or Student t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The mean [SD] age of residents was 36.0 [8.9]. Most residents were non-Hispanic White (68.7%), male (59.7%), unemployed (66.3%), and engaged in polysubstance use (75.4%). The most frequently reported comorbidities were mental health (26.5%), respiratory (26.3%), neurological (19.3%), cardiovascular (18.2%), and musculoskeletal (17.0%) disorders. The most reported HRQoL problems were anxiety/depression (75.8%) and pain/discomfort (53.2%). In the unadjusted regression models, all comorbidities, except mental health (negative association) and digestive (no association) disorders, were positively associated with HRQoL problems. The usual activities dimension was the most affected by comorbidities, followed by mobility and pain/discomfort. Increasing age was positively associated with cardiovascular disorders (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03-1.10), musculoskeletal disorders (aOR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.00-1.06), mobility problems (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01-1.09), and pain/discomfort problems (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00-1.05). Illicit drug use was positively associated with mobility problems (aOR = 3.36; 95% CI = 1.20-9.45). Neurological (aOR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.38-5.33) and musculoskeletal (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.25-5.29) disorders were positively associated with pain/discomfort problems. MOUD duration was negatively associated with mental health disorders (aOR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.08-0.22) but not HRQoL. Comorbidities significantly predict HRQoL among individuals with OUD. Our findings highlight the need for an integrated care model to treat OUD and comorbidities to sustain recovery and improve health and HRQoL.

Recent Apprises on Predominant Disease and Disorders Detected in BAU Vet Clinic, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

The present study was accompanied at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, BAU Mymensingh, since November 2023 to January 2024, to acknowledge the three months clinical study on animals. A total of 1765 clinical cases of which 427 goats, 211 cats, and 1127 cattle were examined. The clinical cases were divided into three groups: surgical, gynecological, obstetrical, and medicinal cases. In contrast with gynecological and obstetrical (cattle 3.82%, goats 7.26%, and cats 7.11%) and surgical (cattle 15.17%, goats 22.48%, and cats 19.91%) cases, the most significant percentage of cases were medicinal (cattle 81.01%, goats 69.79%, and cats 72.99%). Among the medicinal cases in cattle, parasite infestation most significant was (65.72%), than other infectious diseases (17.09%), general systemic (6.57%), and digestive disorders (3.83%). Additional cases counted like skin conditions (1.75%), respiratory disorders (1.64%), metabolic diseases (1.53%), eye disease (0.33%), urogenital disorders (0.55%), and musculoskeletal disorders (0.99%). In case of goats, general systemic diseases were maximum significant (24.16%), then parasitic diseases (21.14%), infectious diseases (20.13%), and digestive disorders (19.46%). Moreover, eye disease (5.37%), respiratory disorder (5.37%), skin conditions (2.68%), and musculoskeletal disorders (1.68%) were observed. In pet animals like cats infectious diseases were utmost significant (25.97%), compared to parasitic diseases (20.13%) and digestive disorders (19.48%). Additionally, skin diseases (11.69%), respiratory disorders (8.44%), eye disease (2.60%) and musculoskeletal disorders were (1.30%). The most prevalent gynecological and obstetric problems among the gynecological and obstetric cases were identified as repeat breeding (30.23%) in cattle, retained placenta (35.48%) in goats, and dystocia (60.00%) in cats. Hernia (26.32%) in cattle, Bone fracture (28.13%) in goats, and Bone fracture (23.81%) in cats were documented. In conclusion, the represented percentage of diseases was observed in BAU Vet Clinics and we hope that these data will support in the development strategies to regulate the most important diseases in the study area.

Substantial Variation Exists in Clinical Exposure to Chief Complaints Among Residents Within an Emergency Medicine Training Program

Introduction: While many aspects of emergency medicine (EM) residency training are standardized among residents within a single residency program, there is no standard for the distribution of chief complaints (CC) that residents should see over the course of residency. This could result in substantial variability in each resident’s clinical exposure. Our objective in this study was to explore EM residents’ clinical exposure to CCs to determine whether substantial variation exists. If such variation exists, this could suggest the need for curricular reform to address gaps in resident clinical exposure during training. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of EM residents who graduated in the years 2016–2021 at a single, university-affiliated emergency department (ED) in the midwestern United States. All patient encounters where a CC was logged were included and categorized into 1 of 20 clinical domains based on the 2016 American Board of Emergency Medicine Model of Clinical Practice. We calculated descriptive statistics for the top 10 most encountered domains for comparison among residents. Results: We included a total of 228,916 patient encounters from 69 residents in the analysis. Residents were involved in an average of 3,323 distinct patient encounters during the study period. The overall interquartile range for patient encounters was 523. The three CC domains with the broadest interquartile variation were abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders (116), musculoskeletal disorders (nontraumatic)(93), and traumatic disorders (86). Conclusion: Within a single, three-year academic EM program, substantial variation existed among residents with regard to the variety of patient CCs seen during their residency training.

Adverse events associated with the delivery of telerehabilitation across rehabilitation populations: A scoping review.

This scoping review aimed to map existing research on adverse events encountered during telerehabilitation delivery, across rehabilitation populations. This includes identifying characteristics of adverse events (frequency/physical/non-physical, relatedness, severity) and examining adverse events by different modes of telerehabilitation delivery and disease states. Telerehabilitation, a subset of telemedicine, has gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic for remote service delivery. However, no prior scoping review, systematic review, or meta-analysis has identified and summarized the current primary research on adverse events in telerehabilitation. Understanding adverse events, such as falls during physiotherapy or aspiration pneumonia during speech therapy, is crucial for identifying limitations and optimizing delivery through risk mitigation and quality indicators. This understanding could also help to improve the uptake of telerehabilitation among clinicians and patients. This review addresses this gap by summarizing published literature on adverse events during telerehabilitation. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The review protocol was registered and published on Open Science Framework. A comprehensive search across multiple databases (MEDLINE ALL/EMBASE/APA PsycINFO/CENTRAL/CINAHL) was conducted. Screening, extraction, and synthesis were performed in duplicate and independently. Data extraction followed the Template for Intervention Description and Replication framework and also involved extraction on authors, publication year (pre- or post-COVID), population, sample size, and modes of telerehabilitation delivery (asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid). For synthesis, data were summarized quantitatively using numerical counts and qualitatively via content analysis. The data were grouped by intervention type and by type of adverse event. This scoping review included qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2013-2023, written in English, and conducted in any geographic area. All modes of telerehabilitation delivery were included. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, commentaries, protocols, opinion pieces, conference abstracts, and case series with fewer than five participants were excluded. The search identified 11,863 references, and 81 studies were included in this review with a total of 3,057 participants (mean age:59.3 years; females:44.6%). Modes of telerehabilitation delivery (whether asynchronous, synchronous or hybrid) used in the studies included videoconferencing (52), phone calls (25), text messaging (4), email (6), mobile apps (10), and internet-based virtual reality systems (3). A total of 295 adverse events occurred during 84,534 sessions (0.3%), with the majority being physical (e.g., falls or musculoskeletal pain), non-serious/non-severe/mild, and unrelated to (i.e., not caused by) to the telerehabilitation provided. From the 81 included studies, telerehabilitation was delivered with related adverse events being rare, and mostly characterized as mild/non-severe. A comparable occurrence of adverse events (~30%) was found between asynchronous and synchronous telerehabilitation studies. When categorized by disease type, cardiac telerehabilitation studies had the most frequent adverse events. Detailed reporting of telerehabilitation interventions and adverse event characteristics is recommended for future studies (i.e., use of TIDieR reporting guidelines). Telerehabilitation has the potential to make rehabilitation services more accessible to patients; however, more evidence on the safety of telerehabilitation is needed.

Are Levels of Loneliness Associated With Levels of Comfort and Capability in Musculoskeletal Illness?

Variation in levels of pain intensity and incapability among patients with musculoskeletal conditions is associated with measures of mindset (unhelpful thoughts [such as hurt equals harm] and feelings of distress [overwhelm, rumination] regarding bodily sensations) and circumstances (social health as well as security in finances, roles, home, and support) as much or more so than pathophysiology severity. Loneliness is an important aspect of social health, it is associated with worse mental health, and it has been identified as worthy of attention and intervention by health authorities in several countries. It is estimated that up to one-third of adults older than 45 years of age experience loneliness. Given that a large percentage of people seeking musculoskeletal specialty care are older than 45 years, identification of notable levels of loneliness and an association with greater levels of pain intensity and incapability would support screening and treatment of feelings of loneliness as part of comprehensive, whole-person, musculoskeletal care strategies. In a cross-sectional study of people seeking musculoskeletal specialty care for upper and lower extremity conditions, we asked: (1) Are there factors associated with levels of capability including greater feelings of loneliness? (2) Are there factors associated with levels of pain intensity including greater feelings of loneliness? We recruited 146 new and returning, English-speaking, adult patients without cognitive deficiencies seeking care in metropolitan musculoskeletal specialty offices. Three patients were excluded because they did not complete the measures of pain intensity and incapability, and 143 were analyzed, including 57% (82) women with a mean age ± SD of 56 ± 17 years and 71% (102) with an upper extremity condition. Participants completed validated measures of feelings of loneliness (University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Loneliness Scale), thoughts and feelings regarding sensations (three items each validated in a factor analysis of commonly used measures), and levels of incapability (PROMIS Physical Function computer adaptive test), and pain intensity (pain intensity on an 11-point ordinal scale between 0 [no pain] and 10 [the most intense possible pain]). In the multivariable analysis, we measured the relationship between levels of incapability and pain intensity and feelings of loneliness, accounting for demographic factors and thoughts and feelings regarding sensations. Accounting for potential confounding variables such as income level and insurance status, we found that lower levels of capability were moderately associated with greater feelings of distress regarding symptoms (such as rumination or a sense of overwhelm; regression coefficient [RC] -0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) CI -1.5 to - 0.51]; p < 0.001) and that higher levels of capability were more modestly associated with having an upper rather than lower extremity condition (RC 4.4 [95% CI 1.5 to 7.3]; p = 0.003) and an income between USD 46,000 and USD 75,000 (RC 6.7 [95% CI 1.4 to 12]; p = 0.01) compared with an income less than USD 24,000 a year. Levels of capability were not associated with levels of loneliness (RC = -0.15 [95% CI -0.38 to 0.086]; p = 0.22), even though the mean level of loneliness was 54, representing moderate to high levels of loneliness. Higher levels of pain intensity were moderately associated with greater feelings of distress regarding symptoms (RC 0.35 [95% CI 0.22 to 0.47]; p < 0.001) and also modestly associated with greater level of unhelpful thoughts about symptoms (such as pain equating to injury) (RC 0.19 [95% CI 0.036 to 0.34]; p = 0.002), having a 4-year college degree (RC -1.4 [95% CI -2.4 to -0.26]; p = 0.02), and having a postcollege graduate degree (RC -1.35 [95% CI -2.4 to -0.26]; p = 0.02) compared with high school or less education but not with higher levels of loneliness. The observation that levels of musculoskeletal incapability and pain intensity have limited association with loneliness reinforces the evidence that other cognitive and emotional factors are the key modifiable personal factors in musculoskeletal illness. Our findings do not discount the importance of addressing loneliness in musculoskeletal care, but efforts to tackle loneliness alone may be less effective than efforts to focus on loneliness in addition to thoughts and feelings regarding bodily sensations. Level II, prognostic study.

Autologous Peripheral Blood-Derived Orthobiologics for the Management of Shoulder Disorders: A Review of Current Clinical Evidence.

A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to manage shoulder pain, the third most common musculoskeletal disorder, but traditional modalities have limitations, providing only temporary symptomatic pain relief instead of targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Recently, autologous peripheral blood-derived orthobiologics (APBOs) have become popular for the management of shoulder disorders. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the most frequently used APBO, but its efficacy remains disputable. Thus, the possibility of using other APBOs, such as platelet lysate (PL), autologous conditioned serum (ACS), gold-induced cytokine (GOLDIC), plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), growth factor concentrate (GFC), autologous protein solution (APS), and hyperacute serum (HS), for the management of shoulder disorders have been considered. This review summarizes the outcomes of clinical studies involving APBOs to manage shoulder disorders. Multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus) were searched employing terms for APBOs and various shoulder disorders for articles published in the English language to September 11, 2024, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Only six clinical studies fulfilled our pre-defined search and inclusion criteria. Specifically, one, two, two, and one studies involving the use of PL, ACS, PRGF, and APS, respectively, were included in this review. No clinical studies were identified involving the use of GOLDIC, GFC, and HS. Administration of PL, ACS, PRGF, and APS is safe and can reduce pain and improve function in patients with shoulder disorders, including rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement syndrome, glenohumeral osteoarthritis and delayed union fracture of the clavicle. Given the dearth of relevant literature and limitations of the available studies, more prospective clinical studies, and ideally, randomized controlled trials, with extended follow-up are necessary to establish the efficacy of APBOs and to select the ideal APBO for the management of shoulder disorders.

Enhancing Temporomandibular Disorders Education for Initial Care Clinicians Through Interprofessional Education.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common musculoskeletal pain conditions that can significantly impact daily activities such as eating, talking, breathing, intimacy, and expressing emotion. TMDs are often complex and multifactorial, and many patients experience overlapping pain conditions, sleep difficulties, and mental health challenges. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) has called for improved TMD education and training for health professionals, as current training opportunities are limited. To prepare health professionals to care for patients who have a TMD, we designed a 5-hour, interactive, module-based curriculum aligned with the 2020 NASEM recommendations. The four-part module set addresses TMD physiology and pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management. Instructional methods are founded on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and include engaging videos, clinical evaluation and education tools, and interactive digital simulation scenarios. Thirty learners from diverse health professional backgrounds (medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy) participated. Multiple-choice question assessments and pre/post retrospective survey scores demonstrated enhanced knowledge (M = 2.9 vs. M = 4.2, p < .001) and perceived competence (M = 1.9 vs. M = 3.4, p < .001), respectively. Encouragingly, all participants indicated applicability to their clinical practice. Our modules offer educators and clinicians a valuable resource to improve TMD knowledge and facilitate best practices. Supplementary resources included in the curriculum are conducive to clinical implementation, fostering improved clinician assessment and patient education.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in COVID-19 Surveillance Staff Members: An Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies.

Aims/Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the COVID-19 surveillance staff members experienced an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, it is necessary to further investigate the causal factors stemming from COVID-19 surveillance work, especially nucleic acid testing, and establish their relationship with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by building upon the previous research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and the major risks faced by the COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used to evaluate ergonomic factors, musculoskeletal symptoms and pressure among 131 COVID-19 surveillance staff members in four hospitals in South-central Henan Province. Additionally, data regarding the coping strategies adopted by the respondents for lowing the risk of developing WMSDs were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Results The QEC results showed that the back, neck, and should/arm of the COVID-19 surveillance staff members bore high ergonomic loads, while the wrist suffered a medium load. The neck (75.6%), shoulder (66.4%), upper back (58%), and wrist (55.7%) were at higher risk for musculoskeletal disorder. Most of the respondents claimed a low sense of achievement (124, 94.7%) and slightly less than half of them had endured emotional exhaustion at work (61, 46.6%). Prolonged period of maintaining the same posture at work, awkward bending or twisting of back side, task repetition and so on were the perceived job risk factors precipitating WMSDs among the participants in this study. The top three coping strategies for lowering the risk of WMSDs included adjusting the plinth/bed height (49.6%), utilizing different parts of the body at work (47.3%), and taking short breaks when required (33.6%). Conclusion Prolonged large-scale nucleic acid detection can aggravate the musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist in COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Prevention measures for musculoskeletal injuries factors must be in place to deter such incidence at work.

Association of long working hours and multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders among transportation industry workers in Beijing, China.

Long working hours can lead to a variety of diseases, while the relationship between long work hours and multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between working hours and multi-site WMSDs. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2636 transportation industry workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders. Workers were grouped by weekly working hours (≤ 40h/wk, 40-55h/wk, and ≥ 55h/wk) to compare the prevalence of WMSDs. The correlation between different WMSDs sites and the influencing factors of multi-site WMSDs were analyzed by log-binomial model and logistic regression model. 897 (34.0%) participants faced long working hours. 995 (37.7%) participants suffered from WMSDs, while the highest prevalence of WMSDs symptoms occurred in neck (25.4%), followed by low back (18.4%) and shoulders (14.5%). Wrists WMSDs were associated with WMSDs in necks, shoulders, elbows, hips, and ankles (OR = 2.07-8.01). According to binary and multivariate logistic regression, the risk of WMSDs was higher in participants who worked 40-55h/wk (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.56) and more than 55h/wk (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.46-3.16) compared to participants who worked less than 40h/wk. Additionally, participants who worked 40-55h/wk (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09-1.78) and more than 55h/wk (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.82-4.70) were more likely to suffer from WMSDs in three or more sites. Long working hours were positively associated with multi-site WMSDs. Early preventive and management measures of long working hours and WMSDs are of importance.

Prevalence of Occupational Hazards among Dentists (Cross-Sectional Study)

Dentistry is widely recognized as a profession with significant occupational hazards. Dental staff are commonly exposed to various risks, including psychological stress, workplace, chemical agents, physical and biological hazards, and ergonomic challenges. This study aims to assess the prevalence of different occupational hazards among dentists. Subject &amp; methods: A total of 449 pediatricians were randomly selected to participate in an online self-reported cross-sectional survey questionnaire designed to collect personal details and assess their exposure to different occupational hazards. Results: A significant proportion of participants reported experiencing stress (85.9%), followed by musculoskeletal disorders (85.6%) and percutaneous injuries (63.9%). Exposure to radiation hazards was noted by 51.3%, while 44.4% reported eye injuries, and 42.66% faced chemical hazards. Hearing impairment was the least reported hazard, affecting only 8.8% of the participants. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders remain a major concern for dental professionals, yet research on their specific challenges is limited. Prioritizing professional education, updating curricula, and implementing ergonomic measures are essential. Future studies should address mental stress, occupational hearing loss, and chemical exposure to enhance workplace safety.

Correlation of prolonged sitting time and sitting posture on low back pain: A cross-sectional study among medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara

Background Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in the world. Medical students, particularly those who use computers for study purposes, are more vulnerable to LBP due to prolonged sitting times and improper sitting posture during lectures. However, prior research showed that the prevalence of LBP among medical students appeared lower when they were enrolled during online pandemic learning. Hence, this research is performed to determine the correlation between the duration of sitting and sitting posture on the incidence of LBP among medical students in Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study with an analytical descriptive design was conducted in September 2023 among randomly selected 147 medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria of the research sample are students with BMI&lt; 23 kg/m2 while the exclusion criteria are students who have abnormalities and a history of trauma or spinal fractures. Data was obtained from filling out questionnaires of The Pain and Distress Scale (PAD) and Body Awareness of Postural Habit in Young People (BAPHY). A Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze data with a p-value &lt; 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results The study’s findings revealed that 40.1% of students reported having LBP problems, 72.1% reported sitting for more than seven hours each day, and 33.3% reported having a bad sitting posture. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between sitting duration and posture on complaints of lower back pain (RR = 1.69, p = 0.041 and RR = 1.69, p = 0.009). At a risk of 2,438 times, sitting posture is the main factor contributing to LBP among medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Conclusions This research showed a significant correlation between duration and sitting posture on the incidence of low back pain.

A small‐molecule screen identifies novel aging modulators by targeting 5‐HT/DA signaling pathway

AbstractThe risk of many human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders rises significantly in the elderly. With the increase in the aging population, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the biology of healthy aging and develop interventions that slow down the aging process or prevent age‐related diseases. In this study, by a high‐throughput screen in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we identified 11 small molecules that promote healthy aging. Among them, Carbamazepine (a voltage‐gated channels inhibitor) and Calmagite (a calcium and magnesium indicator) enhanced serotonin (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA) levels, extended lifespan, and preserved several important behaviors in aging C. elegans. These behaviors include slowing responses to food, pharyngeal pumping, locomotion, and male mating. Interestingly, we further found that administration of Carbamazepine or Calmagite alleviated hyperexcitability of aging male diagonal muscles and improved behavioral performance by ameliorating Ca2+ homeostasis. Mechanistically, administration of Carbamazepine or Calmagite induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor DAF‐16 and thus up‐regulated its downstream genes numr‐1/−2, which are known to promote resistance to metal‐induced stresses and longevity. Taken together, our study offers a way for the discovery of drugs that promote healthy aging, and provides potential interventions for preventing behavioral deterioration in the elderly.