Risk Factors For Musculoskeletal Pain Research Articles

Factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury

Background: Such myriad consequences of musculoskeletal pain were common and distorted the level of functioning after spinal cord injury (SCI). No known data identifies pain-related factors in ambulatory individuals with SCI. Objective: To examine the risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in ambulatory patients with SCI. Materials and methods: A total of 138 ambulatory participants with SCI were interviewed and evaluated for their demographics, SCI traits, levels of locomotor disability (Functional Independence Measure-Locomotor), and data on musculoskeletal pain, including area, cause, and severity of pain using a body chart diagram and Visual Analogue Scale. Then, logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain. Results: Precisely, 55.07% of the 138 ambulatory individuals with SCI reported musculoskeletal pain. The common top three areas of pain include the lower back (27%), hip (23%) and shoulder (15%). Factors associated with musculoskeletal pain include being a man and FIM-L 6 in which males had OR=3.56 (95% CI, 1.62-7.84; p=0.002) and FIM-L 6 had OR=2.57 (95% CI, 1.08-6.10; p=0.032). Conclusion: The present findings revealed that musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in ambulatory individuals with SCI. Ambulatory individuals with SCI who are males and able to walk at least 50 meters while using gait devices are most concerned about musculoskeletal pain problems.

ERGONOMIC AWARENESS SURVEY: EXAMINING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AMONG DENTAL PROFESSIONAL IN A SAMPLE OF INDIAN POPULATION

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a serious workplace hazard for dental professionals. Efforts have been made to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and risk factors in various Indian regions. However, these are primarily tied to workplace risk factors and overlook the impact of lifestyle and ergonomic awareness as risk factors for MSP in dentists. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSP among dental professionals and its associated work, lifestyle, and awareness-related risk factors. Material and methods: A cross-sectional observational research design were conducted among dental professionals working in the clinical facilities. The snowball sampling technique was employed to choose participants. The data collection tool was administered via a Google Form survey. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. Chi-square was applied with a P-value <0.05 as significant. Results: 120 dental practitioners were enrolled in the study. 53.3% of participants reported having work-related MSD. Male professionals had a greater incidence (55.6%) than their female counterparts (48.7%). The most commonly reported specific discomforts were back/neck pain (18.3%), isolated neck pain (15.8%), and back pain (12.5%). The number of hours worked each day (p=0.001), type of activity (p=0.022), work stress (p=0.001), and ergonomics in the curriculum (p=0.039) differed significantly between male and female participants. Medical problems (p=0.001) and their types (p=0.022), dental support during practice (p=0.005), and ergonomics in the dental curriculum (0.005) varied significantly among age groups. Conclusion: There is a significant prevalence of work-related MSP among Indian dentists, particularly in males over 40 years age. Factors such as physical activity, stress levels, co-existing medical conditions, and exposure to ergonomic education may influence the prevalence of MSDs. Thus, there is a need for continuing education programs and advocating for more comprehensive training in ergonomic practices to mitigate the risk of MSDs among dental professionals.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Pain when Running During Pregnancy: A Survey of 3102 Women

BackgroundMusculoskeletal pain while running is a concern to women during pregnancy and can lead to running cessation. To support women who wish to run during pregnancy, it is essential to understand the sites, severities and personal risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain.ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal pain when running during pregnancy.MethodsAn online survey was completed by women who had a child in the past 5 years and ran prior to and during pregnancy. Pain frequency informed prevalence rates by body site, and logistic regression odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsA total of 3102 women of 23 ethnicities from 25 countries completed the survey. Women were 22–52 years old when they gave birth and ran 2–129 km/week during the 0.5–35 years before the birth of their youngest child. Women ran significantly less distance and less often during pregnancy than before pregnancy. Most women (86%) experienced pain while running during pregnancy (59% pelvis/sacroiliac joint, 52% lower back, 51% abdomen, 44% breast, 40% hip). The highest prevalence of severe-to-worst pain was at the pelvis/sacroiliac joint (9%). Women at greatest risk of pain while running during pregnancy had a previous injury (OR = 3.44) or were older (OR = 1.04). Women with a previous child were less likely to experience breast pain (OR = 0.76) than those running during their first pregnancy.ConclusionHealthcare practices to reduce pain should focus on regions of greatest musculoskeletal change during pregnancy, specifically the pelvis, lower back and abdomen. Efforts to support women to run for longer throughout pregnancy should focus on pain at the pelvis and breasts.

Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies

ObjectivesThe weather is frequently blamed for changes in musculoskeletal health behaviour and adverse events. However, despite the frequency with which this phenomenon is endorsed, past research is largely conflicting. This meta-analysis has reviewed, appraised and summarised case-crossover studies assessing the transient risk of musculoskeletal health events associated with weather parameters (e.g. temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, and precipitation). MethodsA meta-analysis of case-crossover studies was conducted. Two reviewers independently searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO from inception to 10/09/2023. Published studies that employed a case-crossover design to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal health events (e.g. symptoms, hospitalisation) associated with weather parameters were included. Primary outcome was pain (new episodes of pain or flares). Quality of included studies was assessed based on selection bias, exposure assessment, confounding, and outcome assessment. Pooling of results was conducted using random effects models and separately performed for each condition and weather factor. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed using I2 measures. FindingsOf the 1,107 studies identified in the search, 11 were included (15,315 participants), providing data on 28,010 events (102,536 control periods), for seven musculoskeletal conditions. Pooled analyses showed no association between relative humidity, air pressure, temperature, or precipitation and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, knee pain or low back pain. High temperatures combined with low humidity were associated with increased pain, redness, and joint swelling in people with gout (Odds Ratio: 2.04; 95 % Confidence Interval: 1.26 to 3.30). InterpretationDespite anecdotal reports from patients, changes in weather factors do not seem to be risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis, knee, hip, or low back pain, but may have a significant influence in gout disease.

Association of self-reported musculoskeletal pain with school furniture suitability and daily activities among primary school and university students.

Students spend a considerable amount of time in school. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the association between the pain and suitability of school furniture and daily activities among primary school and university students. A total of 238 primary and university students participated in the study. The adapted Nordic questionnaire was used to assess pain prevalence, the BackPEI questionnaire was used to assess school-related factors, and student furniture mismatch calculations were performed to determine the anthropometric suitability of school furniture. Most students did not have a proper body posture while sitting, did not lift objects properly, and used TV and computer frequently. A high student-furniture mismatch was found for seat and desk height. The neck, lower back, shoulders, and upper back were the most affected body parts. Our study confirmed that musculoskeletal pain occurs in primary school students and increases with age, especially lower back pain. Proper backpack wearing was found to be an important factor in alleviating neck pain. Students who sat or lifted objects properly were more likely to report upper back pain, and students whose backrest height was appropriate were more likely to report lower back pain. Further efforts should be made to establish a comparable study protocol using objective methods to obtain more valid and reliable data to study school-related risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in students using prospective study protocols.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Three-Wheel Car Drivers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study.

Globally, the demand for mobility is increasing. Three-wheel cars are one of the best options for meeting this demand and creating new job opportunities in most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Drivers are highly susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Even though several studies on other groups of drivers have been conducted, little is done in Ethiopia among three-wheel car drivers. This study investigated the prevalence of MSDs and identified their associated risk factors among three-wheel car drivers in Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among drivers of three-wheel cars from August 05 to October 07, 2022. A stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 respondents.Structured and pretested questionnaires adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the collected data, respectively. In the previous 12 months, 62.45% of three-wheel car drivers had musculoskeletal disorders in any body region (95% CI: 58.36, 66.14). The back pain was the most frequently reported site of pain in this study. This study showed that the habit of doing physical exercise, work experience, site of service, taking rest breaks while driving, and having comfortable sitting posture was risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. In this study, the overall 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among three-wheel car drivers was high. Periodic health checkups for drivers, lifestyle changes, delivering training, and creating awareness are important to address this high-burden occupation-related problem.

Prediction of musculoskeletal pain after the first intravenous zoledronic acid injection in patients with primary osteoporosis: development and evaluation of a new nomogram

ObjectiveTo construct a new prediction nomogram to predict the risk of musculoskeletal pain in patients with primary osteoporosis who receive zoledronic acid intravenously for the first time.MethodClinical data of 368 patients with primary osteoporosis who received the first intravenous injection of zoledronic acid in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 were studied. Patients were divided into a musculoskeletal pain group (n = 258) and a non-musculoskeletal pain group (n = 110) based on the presence or absence of musculoskeletal pain 3 days after injection. Statistically significant predictors were screened by logistic regression analysis and the minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) to construct a nomogram. The nomogram was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the calibration curve, the C-index, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) and verified in a validation cohort.ResultsThe independent predictors of the nomogram were age, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, NSAIDs, prior Vitamin D intake, and BMI. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.980 (95% CI, 0.915–0.987), showing excellent predictive performance. The nomogram c index was 0.980, and the nomogram c index for internal verification remained high at 0.979. Moreover, calibration curves show that the nomogram has good consistency. Finally, the DCA showed that the net benefit of the nomogram was 0.20–0.49.ConclusionMusculoskeletal pain is a common symptom of APR in OP patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid. Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain after zoledronic acid injection in OP patients were: non-use of NSAIDs, youth (<80 years old), serum 25 (OH) D<30ng /mL, no prior intake of vitamin D, BMI<24 kg /m2. A nomogram constructed from the above predictors can be used to predict musculoskeletal pain after the first zoledronic acid injection.

Association Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Studying Hours Among Medical Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are one of the common health issues affecting people of various ages. The main risk factors for musculoskeletal pain are age, obesity, gender, level of education, psychosocial factors, occupational factors, decreased mobility and flexibility, and common factors such as consuming TV and video games. College students, especiallymedical students, are at a higher risk of these complaints as they have longer hours of studying than most faculties due to the competitiveness of their specialty. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and studying hours in medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to increase awareness of this problem. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Data was collected using an online questionnaire. A total of 314 participants were included in this study. The demographic variables, studying hours, studying locations, and postures were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 314 medical students were included in this study. The majority were males (71.0%) and, the mean age was 22.05±2.13 years. Most of them were sixth-year students, and most of them reported studying between three and four hours (40.1%), with the most common studying location reported being the students' home or residence (79.3%). The number of daily studying hours had no significant effect on the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. Conclusion There was no significant relationship between the number of studying hours and the MSK pain. Clinical trials could be used to evaluate the most effective approaches to alleviate MSK pain in medical students.

Identifying physical and psychological risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in student musicians to tailor the curriculum: a cross-sectional study protocol

IntroductionInsufficient identification and understanding of risk factors make musicians engaging in professional practice particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal pain. To support positive music learning and good mental, physical, and social health,...

Longitudinal associations of body mass index and abdominal circumference with back pain among community-dwelling adults: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

BACKGROUND CONTEXTBack pain is the most common musculoskeletal problem in both developed and developing countries. The prevalence and burden of back pain increases with age, and the management of back pain becomes increasingly important in the context of global aging. There is increasing evidence that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for musculoskeletal pain in different locations. Understanding the role of obesity in back pain holds great potential for improving understanding of the mechanisms of back pain and for developing new preventive and therapeutic approaches. PURPOSETo evaluate the role of weight, body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference (AC) in risk of back pain over 96 months. DESIGNProspective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEThe sample was from 4,793 adults in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database who had or were at increased risk for knee Osteoarthritis. OUTCOME MEASURESOutcome variables included the presence, severity, and frequency of back pain, using the past 30 days as the time frame. METHODSLongitudinal analysis of data from 4,793 participants enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, assessed every 12 or 24 months for weight, BMI (kg/m2), AC (cm), and presence, severity (none, mild, moderate, severe), and frequency (none, rarely, sometimes, often, always) of back pain. BMI and AC were decomposed into between-person and with-person components. Data analyses were performed using mixed-effects logistic (for presence of back pain) or ordered logistic regression (for severity and frequency of back pain) models. ResultsBack pain was reported in 58% of participants at baseline; 70% of those without back pain had incident back pain over 96 months. Both between-person (average value across a participant's all measurements) and within-person (deviations from the participant's average) effects of weight and BMI increased risk of presence, severity, and frequency of back pain (Odds radios (OR) per kg/m2: 1.010–1.046, p<.05) in females but not males, with statistically significant weight*sex and BMI*sex interactions. Similar findings were observed for between-person effects of AC on back pain, and the within-person effect of AC was only associated with back pain severity (OR per cm: 1.009, 95% confidence interval 1.002–1.017, p=.019) in females. CONCLUSIONSGreater average weight and BMI and increases in them increased odds of presence, severity, and frequency of back pain over 96 months in middle aged and older women but not men. Only average AC increased odds of back pain over time, in women. These findings suggest that preventing obesity and slowing weight gain is important for the management of back pain.

Extensive Sensorimotor Training Predetermines Central Pain Changes During the Development of Prolonged Muscle Pain

Repetitive movements (RM) are a main risk factor for musculoskeletal pain, which is partly explained by the overloading of musculoskeletal structures. However, RM may also drive brain plasticity, leading to maladaptive changes in sensorimotor areas and altered pain processing. This study aimed to understand whether individuals performing extensive RM (musicians) exhibit altered brain processing to prolonged experimental muscle pain. Nineteen healthy musicians and 20 healthy nontrained controls attended 3 sessions (Day 1–Day 3–Day 8). In each session, event-related potentials (ERPs) to non-nociceptive superficial and nociceptive intraepidermal electrical stimulation, reaction times, electrical detection thresholds, and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded. In all participants, prolonged muscle pain was induced by intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) into the right first dorsal interosseous muscle at the end of Day1. Pain intensity was assessed on a numerical rating scale (NRS) and was lower in musicians compared to non-musicians (P < .007). Moreover, in musicians, the higher amount of weekly training was associated with lower NRS pain scores on Day 3 to Day 8 (P < .037). Compared with Day1, NGF reduced PPTs on Day 3 to Day 8 (P < .001) and non-nociceptive P200 and P300 ERP amplitudes on Day 8 (P < .044) in both groups. Musicians compared to controls showed secondary hyperalgesia to electrical stimulation on Day 3 to Day 8 (P < .004) and reduced nociceptive P200 ERP amplitudes on Day 8 (P < .005). Across participants, ERP components correlated with pain detection reaction times, sensitivity (PPTs and electrical detection thresholds), and severity (NRS), (all P < .043). These results show that repetitive sensorimotor training leads to brain changes in the processing of prolonged pain, biasing the cortical response to nociceptive inputs. PerspectiveRepetitive sensorimotor training may increase the responsiveness of nociceptive inputs during the development of prolonged muscle pain. These novel data highlight the role of repetitive sensorimotor practice as a source for interindividual variability in central pain processing.

LifeStyle and Exercise Relation to Neck and Back Pain in Saudi Arabia.

Personal anguish, incapacity, and a decline in work and life quality are all associated with neck and low back pain, making it a significant socioeconomic burden for individuals and society. It iswell knownthat engaging in regular physical exercise has considerable health benefits. The purpose of this research was to investigate the factors contributing to the high rates of musculoskeletal pain experienced by the Saudi Arabian population. This population-based, cross-sectional study was done in Saudi Arabia with 2,717 participants aged 18 to 60. A questionnaire was provided online to assess neck, shoulder, and lower back discomfort, time spent in general or aerobic physical activity, time spent sitting, sleep problems, general health, work satisfaction, and nutrition. Using logistic regression, weobserved potential risk factors for musculoskeletal pain. The prevalence of neck pain, shoulder pain, and lower back pain (LBP) were found to be 48.1%, 47.6%, and 63.8%, respectively. It was found that being a female (OR=1.78 [1.41-2.25], p<0.001), married (OR=1.58 [1.34-1.86], p<0.001), and having poor general health status (OR=3.78 [2.2-6.49], p<0.001), sleep disturbances (OR=2.46 [2.04-2.97], p<0.001) and poor job satisfaction (OR=1.29 [1.05-1.60], p=0.016) were independently associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. The diet of the individuals did not significantly influence the prevalence of MSPs. Good general health, good sleep, and good job satisfaction were associated with a reduced risk of experiencing neck or shoulder pain, but there was no association between physical activity and MSPs Longitudinal studies are required to acquire a better understanding of the relationship between MSP, aerobic activity, sleep, and diet.

Ergonomic and individual risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the ageing workforce

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the possible association between specific ergonomic and individual risk factors and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in the back, shoulder, hip and knee region in workers aged 50-65y.MethodsThe study was a population based cross-sectional survey. The study population comprised citizens born between 1952–1966, living in Esbjerg municipality, Denmark, ultimo 2016 (n = 23,463). A questionnaire was sent electronically or by mail. The analysis included the working population only. A multivariate logistic regression was used for each of the following dependent variables; musculoskeletal pain for the past 3 months in the back, shoulder, hip and knee, where independent variables included ergonomic exposure, age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA).ResultsThe overall response rate was 58% and the data of individuals at work (n = 9,263) demonstrated several ergonomic exposures with increased odds for pain in specific regions. Exposure to back twisted or bend, squatting or lying on knees and to carrying or lifting were associated with musculoskeletal pain in the back, whereas exposure to back twisted or bend, arms above shoulder and repeated arm movement were associated with pain in the shoulder. Exposure to back twisted or bend, repeated arm movement, squatting or lying on knees and to carrying or lifting were associated with musculoskeletal pain in the hip. Important individual risk factors were also identified. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased pain in the hip but associated with less risk for pain in the back and shoulder. Males had higher odds for pain in the back and knee compared to females but lower odds for pain in the hip. BMI was particularly important for knee pain. The level of LTPA did not have an important association with MSP in any region.ConclusionThere is a significant positive association between ergonomic exposures and musculoskeletal pain, which were specific for the back, shoulder, hip and knee. In addition, the data demonstrated a differential association with age, sex and BMI. This needs to be considered for the treatment and classification of musculoskeletal pain and for future preventive initiatives.

Sedentary behavior is associated with musculoskeletal pain in adolescents: A cross sectional study

BackgroundHigh prevalence of back pain has been observed in adolescents. Sedentary behavior (SB) is considered a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. The association between back pain and SB in the pediatric/adolescent population is not well established. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between SB and low back and neck pain in adolescents according to sex. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with children and adolescents aged 10-17 years, randomly recruited from public and private schools in Presidente Prudente, Brazil. All students enrolled in the selected schools were eligible to participate. SB was evaluated by adding the number of hours of use of screen devices, such as television, computer, video game, and smartphone/tablet. To assess neck and low back pain, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used. Physical activity and socioeconomic status were assessed by the Baecke Questionnaire and the Brazilian Criteria for Economic Classification (ABEP), respectively. Odds ratio (OR) from Binary Logistic Regression in the unadjusted and adjusted model (physical activity, abdominal obesity, and socioeconomic status) showed the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and SB. ResultsA total of 1011 adolescents (557 girls) with a mean ± standard deviation age of 13.2±2.4 years were included. Moderate (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.00, 3.23) and high (OR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.02, 3.53) SB were associated with neck pain in girls. In boys, moderate SB (OR = 2.75; 95%CI: 1.31, 5.78) were associated with neck pain. Moderate (OR = 2.73; 95%CI: 1.45, 5.02) and high (OR = 2.49; 95%CI: 1.30, 4.76) SB were associated with low back pain only in girls. ConclusionModerate and high SB were associated with neck pain in girls and boys, while moderate and high SB were associated with low back pain only in girls.

Predictors of Musculoskeletal Pain among Primary School Students Using Smartphones in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

School-age children increasingly use smartphones to conduct their learning activities; increasing reports of disorders related to smartphone use exist, including visual-related symptoms, stress, and musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to examine risk factors for musculoskeletal pain among primary school students using smartphones. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 233 school-aged children in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Data collection used a questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire with ISO 11,226:2000. Through Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with musculoskeletal pain were determined. An important factor in the development of musculoskeletal pain was the prolonged use of smartphones for longer than 60 min, particularly among children aged 6–9 years old. In regards to musculoskeletal pain, almost 53% of the students used their smartphones while lying down. Posing in a prone position while using a smartphone was 7.37 times more dangerous than sitting. The laying position tilts numerous organs at varying angles, especially the upper arm. The risk of musculoskeletal complaints must be reduced by educating parents, children, and the relevant government organizations about safe smartphone usage. The mentioned factors may be used to anticipate the onset of musculoskeletal pain caused by smartphone use in young children.

Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain: a 3-year longitudinal study after the Great East Japan Earthquake

BackgroundNeck pain is a common health problem in the general population as well as in people after natural disasters. Sleep disturbances are gaining attention as risk factors for musculoskeletal pain; however, the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain has not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain, especially focusing on the effect of the duration of sleep disturbance, after the Great East Japan Earthquake.MethodsThis study used 3-year longitudinal data obtained from individuals (n = 2,059) living in disaster-affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Sleep disturbance and neck pain were investigated at 4, 5, 6, and 7 years after the disaster. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the assessment.ResultsSleep disturbance was significantly associated with neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.84 [1.23–2.75] for “ < 1 year”; 2.41 [1.53–3.81] for “ ≥ 1 year and < 2 years”; 2.80 [2.09–3.76] for “ ≥ 2 years”). Furthermore, preceding sleep disturbance was significantly associated with the onset of neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.86 [1.08–3.20] for “ < 1 year”; 2.39 [1.22–4.70] for “ ≥ 1 year and < 2 years”; 3.00 [1.94–4.65] for “ ≥ 2 years”).ConclusionsSleep disturbance is associated with neck pain, and long-lasting sleep disturbance strengthens the association. Clinicians should consider this association to effectively treat patients with neck pain, especially those affected by natural disasters.

Factors associated with high physical exertion during healthcare work: Cross-sectional study among healthcare workers.

High physical exertion during healthcare work is a documented risk factor for musculoskeletal pain, long term sickness absence and disability pension. Understanding the underlying factors of physical exertion is important to make the necessary preventive efforts in the working environment. This study investigates factors associated with high physical exertion during healthcare work. A total of 2047 Danish health care workers replied to a questionnaire about work and health. Associations (odds ratios; OR) of physical exertion (outcome variable) with the number of patients and self-reliant patients, frequency and type of assistive device use, BMI, leisure time activity, smoking, and age were modelled using mutually adjusted binary logistic regression. Factors associated with high physical exertion (OR and 95% CI) were high frequency of daily patient transfers 1.35 (1.23 - 1.48), less self-reliant patients 0.74 (0.62 - 0.89), less frequent use of necessary assistive devices 1.82 (1.50 - 2.21), as well as more frequent use of sliding pieces 1.23 (1.04 - 1.46), wheelchairs 1.23 (1.02 - 1.49), bed adjustments 0.88 (0.77 - 1.00) and intelligent beds 0.83 (0.71 - 0.95) during patient transfer. Age and lifestyle factors (BMI, smoking, and leisure time physical activity) were not associated with high physical exertion. The character of patient transfer specific healthcare work is associated with increased odds for high physical exertion whereas life-style factors are not. Thus, proper use of specific assistive devices and avoiding uneven distribution of difficult patients through appropriate planning may be protective strategies for lowering physical exertion during healthcare work.

The relationship between burnout syndrome and low back pain, neck pain and mood status in hospital workers in the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: Burnout syndrome is expected among healthcare workers facing extended periods of physical and psychological stress. Physical and psychosocial factors affect the aetiology of healthcare workers’ musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to determine healthcare workers’ burnout syndrome levels at a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, investigating burnout syndrome’s relationship with lower back pain, neck pain, depression and anxiety. Methods: This prospective observational study employed a Google Forms questionnaire, and 120 training and research hospital employees volunteered to participate. The questionnaire included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Pain-Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Fifty-four participants (45%) had moderate emotional exhaustion, and 20 (16%) had severe emotional exhaustion. Eighty-two (68%) had mild depersonalisation and 38 (32%) had moderate depersonalisation, and 120 (100%) had severe reduced personal accomplishment. Moreover, 68.3% of volunteers complained of neck pain over the last year, while 51.7% complained of lower back pain. Relationships were observed between: emotional exhaustion, lower back pain, neck pain, lower back disability, neck disability, anxiety scores and depression scores; depersonalisation, neck pain, anxiety scores and depression scores; and personal accomplishment, neck pain, neck disability, back disability, anxiety scores and depression scores. Lower back disability was significantly higher among participants not infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Anxiety was significantly higher among participants infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Burnout is a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain among healthcare workers. Therefore, healthcare workers require physical and psychological support during crises such as pandemics.

Classification of kneeling and squatting in workers wearing protective equipment: development and validation of a rule-based model using wireless triaxial accelerometers

Several professions in industries, such as petroleum, manufacturing, construction, mining, and forestry require prolonged work tasks in awkward postures, increasing workers’ risks for musculoskeletal pain and injury. Therefore, we developed and validated a rule-based model for classifying unilateral and bilateral kneeling and squatting based on 15 individuals wearing personal protective equipment and using three wireless triaxial accelerometers. The model provided both high sensitivity and specificity for classifying kneeling (0.98; 0.98) and squatting (0.96; 0.91). Hence, this model has the potential to contribute to increased knowledge of physical work demands and exposure thresholds in working populations with strict occupational safety regulations. Practitioner summary: Our results indicate that this rule-based model can be applied in a human-factors perspective enabling high-quality quantitative information in the classification of occupational kneeling and squatting, known risk factors for musculoskeletal pain, and sick leave. This study is adapted for working populations wearing personal protective equipment and aimed for long-term measurements in the workplace.

Low social acceptance among peers increases the risk of persistent musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Prospective data from the Fit Futures Study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal pain has a high prevalence in adolescence and causes huge consequences for the individuals and the society. Little knowledge exists on social risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate if low social acceptance among peers during the first year of upper secondary school was associated with persistent and severe persistent musculoskeletal pain 2 years later and if psychological distress modified this association.MethodsLongitudinal data from the Norwegian Fit Futures Study was used. Students in the first year of upper secondary school answered an electronic questionnaire, covering health status, pain, social acceptance among peers, and psychological distress. Persistent musculoskeletal pain was measured 2 years later. Multiple logistic regression analyses and moderation analyses were conducted adjusting for sex and chronic diseases. Main analyses were conducted on participants without persistent musculoskeletal pain at baseline, and secondary analyses were conducted on all participants with and without persistent musculoskeletal pain at baseline.ResultsOf 775 participants (52% females), 556 (71.7%) were pain-free at baseline and included in the main analyses. Significant associations between low social acceptance among peers and persistent musculoskeletal pain 2 years later were found in crude (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95%CI [1.0–3.1]) and adjusted analyses (OR = 1.8, 95%CI [1.0–3.2]). No statistically significant effect modification of psychological distress (p = 0.89) on this association was found. A significant association between low social acceptance and persistent musculoskeletal pain was found in adjusted secondary analyses of all the students (n = 692) (OR = 1.6, 95%CI [1.0–2.3]).ConclusionsOur results indicate that low social acceptance among peers increases the risk of future persistent musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Thus, interventions strengthening adolescent’s social arenas may be helpful to prevent persistent musculoskeletal pain.Trial registrationRetrospective registered at clinicaltrials.org NCT04526522.