Presence Of Musculoskeletal Pain Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of locomotive syndrome in young Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe onset of locomotive syndrome (LS) precedes that of frailty. Therefore, the first step in extending healthy life expectancy is to implement measures against LS in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of LS and its associated factors in young adults for early detection and prevention of LS.MethodsThe participants of this study comprised 413 university students specializing in health sciences (192 males and 221 females) with an average age of 19.1 ± 1.2 years. All participants voluntarily participated in the study and reported no serious health problems. The presence or absence of LS was evaluated using the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Additionally, musculoskeletal assessment (one-leg standing, squatting, shoulder elevation, and standing forward bend), body composition analysis (weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and phase angle), handgrip strength test, physical activity assessment, and nutritional assessment were conducted. Sex-stratified analyses were performed, comparing groups with and without LS. Factors associated with LS were explored using binomial logistic regression.ResultsOf the 413 young adults studied, 86 individuals (20.8%) were found to have LS. When stratified by sex, LS was observed to have a considerably higher prevalence in females (55, 24.9%) than in males (31, 16.1%). In males, the notable differences between the groups with and without LS were observed in one-leg standing and phase angle, whereas in females, differences were identified in body fat mass, body fat percentage, SMI, musculoskeletal pain, and handgrip strength. Two types of binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the inability to perform one-leg standing was associated with LS in males, while the presence of musculoskeletal pain and a high body fat percentage were identified as factors associated with LS in females.ConclusionsOne in five young adults were found to have LS in this study, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and LS health education. Furthermore, effective management of musculoskeletal pain is also crucial.

Effects of Occupational Hazards, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Work on the Overall Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression of Female Nurses

Nurses face not only musculoskeletal disorders but also psychological health issues. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing overall fatigue, anxiety, and depression, respectively, by comprehensively considering work characteristics, exposure to hazards, and the presence of musculoskeletal pain. This study used binary logistic regression to analyze factors influencing fatigue, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The independent variables were occupation; age; work experience; healthcare organization; working hours per week; shift type; exposure time to physical, biochemical, and ergonomic hazards; and the presence of back, upper limb, or lower limb pain. The factors influencing overall fatigue were shift type (p = 0.007), exposure to vibration (p = 0.042), awkward posture (p = 0.001), repetitive motion (p = 0.017), and presence of back (p = 0.002) or upper (p < 0.001) limb pain. The factors influencing anxiety were age (p = 0.031), hours worked per week (p = 0.006), performing patient lifting/carrying (p = 0.041), and presence of upper (p = 0.022) or lower (p = 0.039) limb pain. In addition, the factors influencing depression were found to be hours worked per week (p = 0.042), exposure to infection (p = 0.005), and the presence of lower limb pain (p = 0.011). This study found that musculoskeletal pain has a significant impact on psychological health problems, suggesting that integrated management of musculoskeletal pain and psychological health problems may be effective in addressing health problems in the nursing profession.

Musculoskeletal pain in 13-year-old children: the generation R study.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common reason for consultation in general practice and frequently reported in children and adolescents. This study examined the prevalence of MSK pain in 13-year-old children and assessed associations with physical and psychosocial factors. Data from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort, was used. Prevalence and characteristics of MSK pain were assessed, using a pain mannequin, at 13 years of age (N = 3062). Demographics and data on physical activity, sedentary behaviors, previous reported MSK pain, and behavioral problems were extracted from questionnaires. The body mass index (BMI) SD-score was calculated from objectively measured weight and height. A prevalence of 23.3% was found for MSK pain in children of which 87.2% persisted for more than 3 months (ie, chronic), 45.5% experienced pain daily. More physically active children and children with a higher BMI reported MSK pain more frequently compared with non-MSK pain and no pain. The knee was the most often reported location. Children with MSK pain were more likely to have reported MSK pain at 6 years. Multivariable analyses showed significant associations for male sex (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.98), high maternal educational (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.96), higher BMI (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.35), being physically active (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.91), and behavioral problems (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.33-2.59) with the presence of MSK pain. The chronic nature of MSK pain in combination with the relatively high prevalence of MSK pain in this study shows that MSK pain is already an important problem at a young age.

The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in patients with obesity: a registry-based cohort study.

Misuse of opioid medication has become a major health crisis in several countries. A significant number of patients with obesity use opioid medications, mostly to alleviate symptoms due to obesity-related co-morbidities. To compare patterns of opioid drug usage before and after bariatric surgery in this population, hypothesizing that weight loss and improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities could reduce opioid consumption. The Ontario Bariatric Registry (Ontario, Canada). In this retrospective cohort study, the Ontario Bariatric Registry was used to compare opioid consumption in adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2021. The primary outcome was the number of patients using opioid medication at 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of opioid consumption. Data of 11,179 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 45.7 ± 10.2 years, mean baseline body mass index was 48.9 ± 8 kg/m2, and 83.6% of patients were female. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in the majority of patients (85.6%), followed by sleeve gastrectomy (14.2%). At baseline, opioids were used by 7.7% and nonopioid pain medications by 42.3% of patients. At 1 year after surgery, these numbers significantly decreased (Δ-1.9% and Δ-18.0%, respectively). The decrease in the consumption of nonopioid pain medication needs to be interpreted in the context of the contraindication to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which was the most commonly performed procedure. Presence of musculoskeletal pain and use of nonopioid pain medication at baseline were identified as independent predictors of opioid consumption at 1 year after surgery. At 1 year after bariatric surgery, a significant decrease in opioid and nonopioid pain medication consumption was seen among patients with obesity. Aggressive management of excess weight, especially with bariatric surgery, can potentially reduce the impact of the opioid crisis in this population.

Musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and healthcare utilization: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the reorganization of health services to cater to the needs of individuals affected by the virus.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the utilization of health services among adults in southern Brazil. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals aged 18 years and older, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between December 2020 and March 2021. Questionnaires were electronically collected using tablets through the REDCap platform via phone calls. The health service utilization outcomes assessed included Primary Health Care, general practitioners, private emergency care, and specialized services. The exposure variable was the presence of musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in different regions, such as cervical, upper limbs, thoracic, lumbar, and lower limbs. Poisson regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between health service utilization during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and musculoskeletal pain during and after the infection with SARS-CoV-2 among adults in southern Brazil. Data were analyzed using the Stata 16.1 statistical package. ResultsA total of 2,919 individuals were interviewed. Overall, individuals with musculoskeletal pain were found to utilize health services approximately 15 percentage points higher when compared to those without musculoskeletal pain. In adjusted analysis, individuals who reported musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection were up to twice as likely to use health services. Among them, the emergency care unit was the most frequently used service, particularly in those with pain in the lower limbs (RP=2.19, 95% CI 1.66-2.87) and thoracic region (RP=2.04, 95% CI 1.47-2.84). Notably, the highest magnitudes of association were observed with emergency care units, specialist doctors, and specialized services, especially neurologists, who were two to three times more likely to be sought, followed by pulmonologists. ConclusionHealth service utilization was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. All regions, except for the cervical region, showed a correlation with the use of Primary Health Care. The thoracic region featured an association with pulmonologists and emergency room utilization. Additionally, health services like emergency care units, specialist doctors, and specialized services, including cardiologists and neurologists, were commonly utilized across all regions in southern Brazil.

Musculoskeletal pain and muscular weakness as the main symptoms of adult hypophosphatasia in a Spanish cohort: clinical characterization and identification of a new ALPL gene variant.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disorder, caused by mutations in the alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene, which encodes for the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) isoform of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Adult HPP is one of the mild forms that presents with unspecific signs such as osteopenia, osteomalacia and muscle involvement. Our purpose was to identify and characterize possibly misdiagnosed adult HPP patients at a clinical and biochemical level. At the laboratory of Miguel Servet University Hospital we retrospectively reviewed serum ALP levels in adults over a 48-month period. The clinical records of individuals with consistently low ALP levels were reviewed to exclude secondary causes. Those with persistent hypophosphatasemia were screened for symptoms of HPP. The study participants were evaluated at biochemical and genetic levels. We identified 705 ALP determinations (out of 384,000 processed) in 589 patients below the reference range (30 U/l). Only 21 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of HPP were selected for genetic testing. Finally, only 12 patients participated in the study, 83.3% of whom (10/12) harbored a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a heterozygous state. The major symptoms of our cohort were the presence of musculoskeletal pain (100% of patients) and muscular weakness (83.3% patients). Mild HPP patients presenting with diffuse symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as osteoporosis patients by routine diagnosis. It is important to identify these individuals, to avoid inappropriate treatment with antiresorptive drugs.

Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram in Icelandic horses: A pilot study

SummaryBackgroundA disturbing number of ridden horses are lame, although assumed by riders to be pain free. A Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed; an RHpE score of ≥8/24 is likely to indicate the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Pain assessment in Icelandic horses is challenging; the RHpE may facilitate lameness recognition.ObjectivesTo determine the repeatability of application of an adapted RHpE to Icelandic horses by a single observer. To evaluate the relationship between RHpE scores and lameness or abnormalities of canter.Study designProspective, cross‐sectional study.MethodsVideo‐recordings of 30 Icelandic horses performing a standardised test (walk, trot, tölt, canter) were acquired. The adapted RHpE, to include tölt, was applied to all recordings twice in random order by a single observer. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa. The presence of lameness, abnormalities of canter and lameness grade was determined by an independent expert. The association between maximum lameness grade and RHpE score was tested using Spearman's rank correlation.ResultsAll horses exhibited both lameness, the majority in >1 limb, and abnormalities of canter. The RHpE score was ≥8/24 in 96% (median 10/24 and 10.5/24, respectively, for the two assessments). There was substantial to near‐perfect agreement for the majority of behaviours (63.6%) and moderate or fair agreement for 32%. There was no correlation between maximum lameness grades and RHpE scores.Main limitationsThe absence of non‐lame horses with correct saddle fit for horse and rider.ConclusionsThere was good repeatability of application of the RHpE. Musculoskeletal pain was associated with RHpE scores of ≥8/24 in the majority of horses. Data acquired from non‐lame horses, ridden in well‐fitting tack by riders of appropriate size, are needed to determine if the threshold of step frequency in trot needs to be adjusted for more accurate application of the RHpE in Icelandic horses.

Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Pain Among Music Students in Iran

Playing-related musculoskeletal pain is common among music students. We aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the factors associated with the presence of musculoskeletal pain among music students in public music conservatories in Tehran, Iran. Participants included 383 music students, age 12-18 years, from Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed from October to November 2021 through convenience sampling. Demographic characteristics and musculoskeletal pain were collected using a self-report questionnaire, the Numerical Rating Scale, and the Nordic Body Map questionnaire, respectively. Postural behavior of participants was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment checklist. In the convenience sample, 59.3% of music students reported at least one symptomatic musculoskeletal pain in the last week. Female gender (OR 2.34, 95% C:1.37-3.99, p<0.001), age (OR 1.66, 95% C:1.08-2.54, p<0.001), postural behavior (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.81-1.39, p<0.001), and duration of playing (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99, p<0.001) were significantly associated with the playing-related musculoskeletal pain. History of playing and instrument type had no relationship to pain. The main risk factors associated with playing-related musculoskeletal pain in music students were the participants' characteristics (female gender and age), postural behavior, and playing duration. The findings support the need to design educational programs for music students in order to prevent playing-related musculoskeletal pain.

Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain?

Data from 965 participants (230 males, 729 females, 6 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, and April and November 2021, were analysed. Generalised mixed-effect models were used to test relationships between psychosocial leadership factors and employees' stress and MSP levels. Higher quantitative demands are associated with increased stress (B: 0.289, 95%CI 0.245, 0.333), presence of MSP (OR: 2.397, 95%CI 1.809, 3.177), and increased MSP levels (RR: 1.09, 95%CI 1.04, 1.14). Higher levels of vertical trust decreased stress (B: -0.094, 95%CI -0.135, -0.052) and presence of MSP (OR: 0.729, 95%CI 0.557, 0.954). Role clarity decreased stress (B: -0.055, 95%CI -0.104, -0.007) and levels of MSP (RR: 0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.96). Working with interruptions was associated with increased stress (B: 0.199, 95%CI 0.119, 0.280) and MSP (OR: 1.834, 95%CI 1.094, 3.072). Leaders will need to take a broad view of job design, taking into account physical and psychosocial aspects of work, to effectively support employees WFH and manage stress and MSP.

Association Between Ergonomic Burden Assessed Using 20-Item Agricultural Work-Related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire and Shoulder, Low Back, and Leg Pain in Korean Farmers

ABSTRACT Objectives:This study aimed to determine the agricultural ergonomic burden in Korean farmers and to analyze its correlation with musculoskeletal pain. Methods: In total, 1001 farmers (525 females and 476 males; mean age, 59.6±7.5years) who owned or rented a farm and belonged to an agricultural cooperative unit were recruited. Ergonomic burdens were assessed using a 20-item Agricultural Work-related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire (20 agricultural works). The presence of musculoskeletal pain (shoulder, low back, and leg/foot), Farm Stressor Inventory, subjective stress index, and agricultural workload (low, moderate, somewhat hard, or hard) were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: Factor analysis of the Agricultural Work-related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire revealed a four-factor solution: neck and upper limb, trunk and push – pull, machine and heavy lifting, and repetitive trauma. Cronbach’s alpha was greater than 0.65. For 18 of the 20 items, there was a significant association with the Farm Stressor Inventory, subjective stress index, and agricultural workload. The most frequent ergonomic burdens were squatting (51.2%), highly repetitive wrist movements (53.5%), shoulder flexion at 45–90° (51.2%), and trunk flexion or twisting at≥45° (48.8%). Ergonomic burdens were significantly different in 13 items between sexes. The musculoskeletal pain was associated with increased agricultural burdens in 10 items in male farmers and 14 items in female farmers. Conclusion: Increased agricultural ergonomic burdens were associated with musculoskeletal pain. Ergonomic burden showed different patterns between male and female farmers, with female farmers appearing to be more affected by ergonomic burden than male farmers.

Pattern and predictors of musculoskeletal pain among bakery workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria

IntroductionThe magnitude of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and its risk factors among bakery workers are not well known in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated the pattern and predictors of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) seen in Nigerian bakery workers.MethodsThe analytical cross-sectional survey used a proforma and the standard Nordic questionnaire in assessing demographic characteristics, relevant work-related/ergonomic hazards and MSP information. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique with simple random sampling at stage one (25 bakeries) and a consecutive sampling technique at stage two (7 employees from each bakery). Statistics like chi-square and logistic regression were used in analysing the data.ResultsOne hundred and seventy-seven participants (77.4% males) with a mean age of 29.7 ± 6.7 years, and the average length of working in the bakery was 9.3 ± 5.2 years. Bending for prolonged periods (93.2%) and repetitive hand movements (92.1%) were the most prevalent ergonomic work hazards. In the past year, 72.3% reported MSP with the lower back region most prevalent (80.2%) followed by pain in the neck region (63.8%). Age, gender and educational attainments were significantly associated with the presence of MSP while ergonomic factors such as repetitive bending, overstretching and use of vibration-generating movement were also significantly associated with the presence of MSP among the bakery workers. Inadequate staffing, using vibration movement handling and education are the main predictors of the presence of MSP (&lt;i&gt;χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = 29.09, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001; &lt;i&gt;R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = 0.219).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past one year among Nigerian bakery workers predicted by education level, inadequate staffing, and vibration movement handling.

Occupation-related musculoskeletal pain in school teachers: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Teaching profession demands the high level of physical and psychological involvement. Musculoskeletal pain is common among different professionals. The study is aimed to find out the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among teachers and its correlation with occupation. Methods: One hundred and nine government school teachers participated in the study. The presence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed by using nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and job-related stress was assessed by new brief job stress questionnaire. Pearson's correlation was used to correlate the musculoskeletal disorder and job-related stress. Results: The study reports that participants experienced musculoskeletal pain at various joints in last 12 months; 62.39% reported neck pain, 41.28% reported shoulder pain, 40.37% reported upper back pain, 9.7% reported elbow pain, 23.85% reported wrist pain, 31.20% reported lower back pain, 10.09% reported hip pain, 34.86% reported knee pain, and 29.36% reported ankle pain. A strong positive correlation was found between job-related stress and neck pain (r = 0.19, P = 0.04) and job-related stress and lower back pain (r = 0.37, P = 0.00). Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that school teachers increased job-related stress has direct impact on the occurrence of the musculoskeletal pain.

Mediating Effect of Burnout Dimensions on Musculoskeletal Pain: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Organisational Identification

Aim/Purpose: The present study aims to frame the relationship between job and personal resources (namely, organizational identification and emotional intelligence), burnout, and musculoskeletal disorders (i.e., back pain, upper limb pain, lower limb discomfort), into the theoretical framework provided by the JD-R health model. Background: Empirical research indicates a connection between burnout and the onset of musculoskeletal problems, one of the most important occupational health issues affecting all jobs and organizations. In light of the JD-R health model, we investigated the association between personal and job resources with burnout and musculoskeletal disorders. Methodology: An anonymous online questionnaire was answered by 320 workers (82.4% female, Mage = 42.18; SDage = 12.24) investigating their perceived level of burnout, the presence of musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, and shoulder), and their level of organizational identification and emotional intelligence. Descriptive analysis, correlation, and moderated mediation model were performed using SPSS. Contribution: We confirmed the role of personal and organizational resources in the salutogenic process considered by the JD-R health model. Emotional intelligence, decreasing the perceived level of burnout, limited the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, when organizational identification presented low and medium levels, the association between emotional intelligence and burnout strengthened. Findings: Our results showed a negative, indirect effect of emotional intelligence on musculoskeletal disorders via burnout. Moreover, we found a moderation of organizational organization, indicating that at low and medium levels of identification, the association between emotional intelligence and burnout is stronger. Recommendation for Researchers: In addition to work factors involved in the link between burnout and musculoskeletal disorders, it is also important to consider personal and emotional factors, which can decrease the occurrence of adverse consequences. Future Research: Future research developments could contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking emotional intelligence, burnout, and musculoskeletal problems, as well as consider objective indicators of burnout levels or consider using ecological data collection methodologies (e.g., ecological momentary assessment), to identify patterns and associations between burnout and musculoskeletal disorders.

Photobiomodulation in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain. Randomized clinical trial

IntroductionNeck pain is defined as the presence of musculoskeletal pain in the posterior region of the neck, above the shoulders, or in the upper dorsal area. Physiotherapy aims to minimize pain, recover mobility, and strengthen muscles. For this, it uses several techniques, such as photobiomodulation, which can be achieved by light emitting diode (LED) therapy and low level laser therapy (LLLT). The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of the association of LED and LLLT in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain.MethodsA quantitative, experimental, randomized study was performed. The sample was composed of 28 individuals, divided into a control group and an intervention group. Pre- and post-treatment visual analogue scale, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were used. Both groups were submitted to 6 sessions during 2 weeks, with a cluster apparatus, composed of an arrangement of 3 LEDs (590 nm, 1500 mW) and an LLLT (830 nm, 150 mW); the control group received placebo laser intervention. The application was punctual (1 minute per region), at the point of greatest pain, in the trapezius, scalene, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.ResultsIn both cases, the pain reduction was significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) for the 3 assessment instruments; however, the effect sizes for the visual analogue scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were higher in the intervention group.ConclusionsThe cluster used was effective in reducing pain in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain.

The longitudinal association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveThis study investigates the associations between working from home and the presence of MSP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home often involves a lot of sedentary computer screen work and the home working environment might not be optimally equipped, which can lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal pain (MSP).MethodsLongitudinal data from 16 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) were used. In total, 40,702 Dutch workers were included. In every round, participants reported whether they worked on location, from home, or hybrid. Logistic Generalized Estimating Equations were used to study the association of work situation with the presence of MSP and the presence of severe MSP.ResultsWorking from home was associated with higher risks of having MSP in the lower back (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08), in the upper back (OR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.18–1.31), and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.22). Hybrid working was associated with higher risks of having pain in the upper back (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17) and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.09–1.20). Both home and hybrid workers had higher risks of severe MSP in the different body areas.ConclusionHome workers, and to a smaller extent hybrid workers, had higher risks of having MSP than location workers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate the importance of measures to prevent MSP in future policies involving working from home.

Correlação entre dor musculoesquelética e níveis de estresse em professores durante o período de ensino remoto na pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Introduction Remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic caused teachers to work under adverse conditions and sit in front of a computer rather than stand, which can lead to musculoskeletal pain and stress in this population. Objective To observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its correlation with stress levels in teachers during the remote teaching period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study carried out in elementary and high schools in the city of São José do Belmonte, Pernambuco state (PE). Sixty teachers of both sexes aged 18 years and older were evaluated. The Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (NQMS) was used to assess musculoskeletal pain, the Visual Analogue Scale to quantify pain intensity and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to identify symptoms of stress and burnout. Results Seventy five percent (n = 45) of the teachers reported musculoskeletal pain, with a higher prevalence in the lumbar spine 68.3% (n = 41), followed by the cervical spine 45.0% (n = 27),thoracic spine, wrists and hands, both with 41.7% (n = 25). A positive correlation was observed between the presence of musculoskeletal pain and high levels of occupational stress (p = 0.036). Conclusion A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was identified in teachers during the remote teaching period. The lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine, wrists and hands exhibited the highest pain prevalence. Teachers who experienced musculoskeletal pain had higher stress levels and there was a positive correlation between musculoskeletal pain intensity and high occupational stress levels.

One month prevalence of self–reported musculoskeletal pain syndromes and correlates

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 1 month musculoskeletal pain symptoms in a representative sample of the Slovenian general population and to determine factors associated with the symptoms.&#x0D; Methods: We performed an observational cross–sectional study in June 2011 in a representative sample of 1,002 randomly selected Slovenian citizens, stratified according to gender and age, using a computer–assisted telephone interview method.&#x0D; Results: At least 1 day in the past month, 559 participants (55.7%) experienced musculoskeletal symptoms; 226 participants (22.5%) experienced musculoskeletal symptoms everyday of the past month. Older age, female gender, lower education, lower monthly income, seeking lay advice, seeking medical advice, self–treatment, self–reported mobility problems, problems with self–care, pain, difficulties in daily activities, anxiety and/or depression, employment, retired, and a chronic disease were associated with the presence of musculoskeletal pain during the entire past month. When compared to the remainder of the sample, subjects with musculoskeletal pain had more often mobility problems and more often reported the presence of pain.&#x0D; Conclusion: Musculoskeletal symptoms are very common in the Slovenian general population and present a significant public health problem.

The impact of musculoskeletal pain and strenuous work on self-reported physical work ability: a cohort study of Swedish men and women

ObjectiveWe investigated the separate and combined effects of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and strenuous work (heavy physical workload (PWL)/low-decision authority) on poor physical work ability (WA).MethodsThis study uses baseline data from the 2010 Stockholm Public Health Questionnaire (SPHQ) including 9419 workers with good physical WA. Exposure to PWL and decision authority were estimated using sex-specific job-exposure matrices linked to occupations. Exposures (high/low) were combined with the presence of MSP. Follow-up data on physical WA were taken from the 2014 SPHQ and dichotomised (the responses: “moderate”, “rather poor” and “very poor” indicated poor WA). Logistic regression models calculated sex-specific odds ratios adjusting for age, education and health and lifestyle factors. Interaction between MSP and strenuous work was examined using the synergy index (SI). Analyses were conducted using SPSS.27.ResultsMSP, heavy PWL and low-decision authority were separately associated with poor WA. MSP was associated with higher odds of poor WA than strenuous work for women, the opposite for men. Combinations of MSP and strenuous work often resulted in higher risks of poor WA than when adding the effects of the single exposures (e.g., MSP and heavy PWL men: AOR 4.04 95% CI 2.00–8.15, women: AOR: 3.25 95% CI 1.81–5.83). The SI was non-significant for both sexes.ConclusionWorkers with MSP and strenuous work often had higher risks of poor WA than would be expected from adding the effects of the single exposures. To decrease poor WA in this group, strenuous work should be lowered, and MSP addressed in workplaces.

Predictors of pain persistence and disability in high-school students with chronic neck pain at 6-month follow-up.

Neck pain tends to persist for periods of 1 to 4years of follow-up in adolescents, and a high percentage of them report disability. However, studies assessing the factors associated with persistent neck pain and disability in this age group are scarce. This study aimed to explore the association between psychosocial factors, sleep, and symptoms of central sensitization at baseline and the persistence of neck pain and disability at 6-month follow-up. A total of 710 adolescents with chronic neck pain were assessed at baseline with an online questionnaire that collected information on sociodemographic data, presence of musculoskeletal pain, pain intensity, physical activity, functional disability, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of sleep, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and symptoms of central sensitization. At 6-month follow-up, adolescents were reassessed for disability and pain intensity and categorized as recovered or reporting persistent neck pain. Of the 710 participants with neck pain at baseline, 334 were classified as having persistent neck pain and 375 adolescents as being recovered at 6-month follow-up. Multivariable analysis showed that female gender (OR 1.47; p = 0.04) and symptoms of central sensitization (OR 1.02; p = 0.001) at baseline were positively associated with the persistence of neck pain at 6-month follow-up. Similarly, higher levels of disability (β = 0.41; p < 0.001) and symptoms of central sensitization (β = 0.28; p < 0.001) at the baseline were positively associated with disability. Symptoms of central sensitization and disability at baseline should be considered in the assessment and design of interventions for adolescents with chronic neck pain as an attempt to minimize its future impact on pain persistence and disability.

Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship 2020 and Comparison with World Cup Grand Prix Competitions.

Simple SummaryThe Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprises 24 behaviours, the majority of which are at least 10 times more likely to be seen in a horse with musculoskeletal discomfort than a non-lame horse. A RHpE score of eight or more indicates the presence of musculoskeletal pain. The most frequent RHpE score for 147 competitors at World Cup Grand Prix events from 2018 to 2020 was 3/24 (range 0–7), indicating that the majority of horses were working comfortably. The aim of the current study was to apply the RHpE to 38 competitors at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and 26 competitors at the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship in 2020. The most frequent RHpE scores were 4 (range 0–8) and 6 (range 1–9), respectively. These scores were significantly higher than the World Cup competitors. This was associated with a higher prevalence of lameness and gait abnormalities in canter and more frequent errors in passage and piaffe, canter flying changes, canter pirouettes and rein back in the non-elite horses compared with the World Cup competitors. There was a negative correlation between the RHpE scores and the judges’ scores. Appropriate investigation and targeted management of horses with musculoskeletal discomfort may enhance both their performance and welfare.The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprising 24 behaviours was developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal discomfort, with scores of ≥8/24 indicating the presence of pain. The median RHpE score for 147 competitors at World Cup Grand Prix events from 2018 to 2020 was three (interquartile range [IQR] 1–4; range 0–7). The aim of the current study was to apply the RHpE to 38 competitors at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and 26 competitors at the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship in 2020. The median RHpE scores were four (IQR 3–6; range 0–8) and six (IQR 4–7; range 1–9), respectively, which were both higher (p = 0.0011 and p = 0.0000) than the World Cup competitors’ scores. Ears back ≥ 5 s (p = 0.005), intense stare ≥ 5 s (p = 0.000), repeated tail swishing (p = 0.000), hindlimb toe drag (p = 0.000), repeated tongue-out (p = 0.003) and crooked tail-carriage (p = 0.000) occurred more frequently. These were associated with a higher frequency of lameness, abnormalities of canter, and errors in rein-back, passage and piaffe, canter flying-changes and canter pirouettes compared with World Cup competitors. There was a moderate negative correlation between the dressage judges’ scores and the RHpE scores (Spearman’s rho −0.66, p = 0.0002) at the British Championship. Performance and welfare may be improved by recognition and appropriate treatment of underlying problems.