Severity Of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Research Articles

Musculoskeletal Health Risks Associated With Smartphone Use: A Retrospective Study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Smartphone usage has become ubiquitous in Saudi Arabia with concerns growing over its impact on musculoskeletal health. Globally, various musculoskeletal symptoms have been linked to smartphone use such as neck pain, headaches, and shoulder discomfort, often exacerbated by poor posture and prolonged screen time. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the impact of smartphone use on musculoskeletal health among adults aged 18 years and older. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from various settings such as universities, workplaces, and public areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered both online and in paper format, covering demographic characteristics, smartphone usage behaviors, awareness of smartphone-related health effects, and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms. A total of 413 participants from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were surveyed to assess musculoskeletal symptoms associated with smartphone use. Demographic analysis revealed a predominantly young, single, and highly educated population, primarily Saudi nationals. Smartphone usage patterns showed extensive daily use, with over 41% using their devices for more than five hours daily. The majority were aware of smartphone-related health effects. Musculoskeletal symptoms were prevalent, notably neck pain (83.8%), arm pain (63.8%), and headaches (71.2%). The incidence of symptoms related to text neck syndrome was substantial, although awareness and diagnosis were limited. The severity of symptoms varied, with mild to moderate levels reported most frequently. This study highlights a substantial prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among smartphone users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for public health interventions to promote ergonomic practices and mitigate health risks associated with smartphone use. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships and evaluate intervention strategies aimed at reducing these symptoms effectively.

Home schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial of online exercise and ergonomics advice protocols on upper body symptoms.

Understanding of students' musculoskeletal health under home-schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. (1) To investigate the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms in home-schooled adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) To evaluate the effect of an online exercise + ergonomics advice protocol on symptoms, compared with ergonomics advice alone. Cross-sectional symptom survey identifying eligible participants, followed by a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Online classes. Survey: 354 students (mean 16.6 years). 188 students with upper body musculoskeletal symptoms. Randomization to three groups (physical therapy exercises + ergonomics postural advice, ergonomics postural advice alone, nonintervention control) stratified by the site of symptoms (neck, shoulder, upper back). Interventions were orally delivered online (via WhatsApp) supplemented with written/illustrative material. Follow-up occurred at 8 weeks. Survey: prevalence of symptoms (Nordic Questionnaire). primary outcome = change in intensity of upper body symptoms (visual analogue scale); secondary outcome = number of participants reporting improvement in upper body symptoms. The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the survey was 38% neck, 28% shoulder, and 35% upper back, with mean pain intensity of 3.6, 3.9, and 3.8, respectively, on 0-10 visual analogue scale: Two-thirds reported symptoms in multiple anatomical regions. In the trial, there was no statistically significant difference between the exercise + ergonomics group and ergonomics alone group on the primary outcome, yet both groups showed reduced symptom intensity compared with control (p < .001). More participants in the exercise + ergonomics group reported improvement than in the ergonomics advice alone group (p < .02). The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was relatively high in home-schooled adolescents. Symptoms can be reduced by ergonomics advice with or without exercises, but the effect is enhanced by the addition of physical therapy exercises. The latter approach may be considered for improving schoolchildren's musculoskeletal health in the usual classroom setting.

Excessive use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

Electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. The frequency and duration of device use in children and adolescents have increased drastically over the years and the study of its negative musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial health impacts is necessary. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations between electronic device use and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life in children and adolescents studying at primary and secondary schools. Data were collected through confidential online and paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Primary 4-5 and Secondary 1-4 students were recruited from 3 schools in Hong Kong. Demographics, frequency and duration of electronic device use, frequencies of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life outcomes were measured. 1,058 children and adolescents aged 9-17 years participated. Sixty-one percent and 78% of all students spent more than 2 h per day using electronic devices during school days and weekend/holidays, respectively. Extended electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (ρ's = 0.28-0.33, P's < 0.001), visual symptoms (ρ's = 0.33-0.35, P's < 0.001), and poorer device use-related psychosocial health (ρ's = 0.38-0.47, P's < 0.001). Secondary school students reported greater device use and severity of symptoms than primary school students. Excessive electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, and such use is more prevalent in adolescents when compared to the children. The findings have important health implications for children and adolescents, suggesting that early intervention is needed to reduce the risk of developing device use-related disorders.

Vitamin D Supplementation as a Probable Measure to Alleviate Musculoskeletal Pain, Prevent Infection and Enhance Physical Ability among Indian Adults from Urban Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds: An Observational Study

Problem Considered: Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern that needs significant attention. This observational study reports the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on general body aches, frequency of infection, and energy levels among Indian adults. Methods: This study included 508 adults aged 19–89 years old from low socioeconomic backgrounds who were given Vitamin D supplements for 4 months. The severity of musculoskeletal symptoms, frequency of infection or its symptoms, and perceived energy levels of the participants before and after the exposure were measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively for the frequencies, and a Chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the impact of Vitamin D on the variables studied. Results: The majority of the participants were female (82.3%) and were never exposed to Vitamin D supplementation earlier (84%). Nearly 65% of the participants were either homemakers, students, unemployed, or retired. Vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with the reduction in back pain (P &lt; 0.001), fatigue and body pain (P &lt; 0.001), knee pain (P &lt; 0.001), and pain in the hands and legs (P &lt; 0.001). Vitamin D also significantly reduced the frequency of infection and/or its symptoms (P &lt; 0.001) and improved physical work capacity (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation for urban low socioeconomic groups may be beneficial as it can reduce the pain, frequency of infection and improve general well-being. The limitations of this study, such as the lack of a nonexposed group and data on the Vitamin D status of the participants, warrant consideration in future studies.

The influence of working/learning remotely on the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in a group of university staff and students

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a fundamental change in the lifestyle and the ways of learning and working patterns which in turn might lead to health consequences including musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of e-learning and remote working and the impact of the learning/working modality on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students and workers in Poland. This study covered 914 students and 451 employees who filled in an anonymous online questionnaire. The questions covered 2 periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the period from October 2020 to June 2021 and were aimed at obtaining information about lifestyle (including physical activity, perceived stress and sleep pattern), ergonomic of computer workstations, the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and headaches. During the outbreak, the severity of musculoskeletal complaints increased significantly in the teaching staff group (3.2±2.5 vs. 4.1±3.0 VAS pts), in the administrative staff group (3.1±2.5 vs. 4.0±3.1 VAS pts), and in the student group (2.8±2.4 vs. 3.5±2.8 VAS pts). The average level of burden and risk of musculoskeletal complaints was revealed by the assessment using the ROSA method, in all 3 study groups. In light of current results, it is very important to educate people on the rational use of new technology devices, including the appropriate design of computer workstations, planning breaks and time for recovery and physical activity. Med Pr. 2023;74(1):63-78.

Ergonomics of E-Learning Workstations and the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders-Study among University Students.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has increased significantly in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a fundamental change in the lifestyles, ways of learning and working patterns of the general population, which in turn, might lead to health consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of e-learning and the impact of the learning modality on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students in Poland. This cross-sectional study included 914 students who completed an anonymous questionnaire. The questions covered two time periods (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) and were aimed at obtaining information about lifestyle (including physical activity using the modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2007 (IPAQ), perceived stress and sleep patterns), the ergonomics of computer workstations (by Rapid Office Strain Assessment, 2012 (ROSA) method), the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 2018 (NMQ)) and headaches. The main differences between the two periods were statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon test in terms of physical activity, computer use time, and severity of headaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in MSD (68.2% vs. 74.6%) and their intensity (2.83 ± 2.36 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79 points) among the student population (p < 0.001). In the group of students with MSD, there was a high musculoskeletal load, due to the lack of ergonomic remote learning workstations. In future, a thorough study should be carried out, and there is an urgent need to raise students' awareness of arranging learning workstations according to ergonomic principles in order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Correlation with Ergonomic Risk Assessment among Tailors: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The most significant factor contributing to discomfort at work for tailors is musculoskeletal disorders. Once musculoskeletal discomfort manifests in any area, it often lasts for a year or more. Implementing ergonomics research can boost productivity while giving workers a better, more pleasant working environment. A tool called REBA is used to evaluate a person's ergonomic risk factors. Its goal is to construct a posture analysis system to identify musculoskeletal concerns in a range of tasks by segmenting the body and separately coding each part. The influence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms on occupational groups have been evaluated using the NMQ. Aims of the Study: To find out the prevalence of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its correlation with Ergonomic risk assessment among Tailors from south Gujarat. Objective of Study: Primary Objective: To find out prevalence of work-related MSDs in tailors. Secondary Objective: To find out its correlation of work-related MSDs with Ergonomic risk assessment among tailors. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional study, total 150 tailors were taken based on inclusion criteria. Convenient sampling method is selected with age group 25 to 50 years. Work related Musculoskeletal disorders assessed by Nordic whereas Ergonomics risk assessment done by REBA. Result: The result shows that there is high prevalence of lower back pain (34%) in acute work-related MSD and neck pain (26%) in chronic work-related MSD. There are significant correlation of acute neck, shoulder and lower back pain with Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score and significant correlation of chronic neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and lower back pain with REBA.

Type 2 Diabetes and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Midlife Women.

The purpose of this study was to describe the association between type 2 diabetes and musculoskeletal symptoms among midlife women from 4 major racial/ethnic groups in the United States. This is a secondary data analysis using the data from 164 participants aged 40 to 60 years of 2 larger survey studies (62 with type 2 diabetes and 102 without type 2 diabetes). In the original studies, the participants completed multiple questionnaires on background characteristics, health status, menopausal status, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The Musculoskeletal Symptom Index for Midlife Women was used to determine the number and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms. For data analysis, independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple regression analyses were used. The mean number of musculoskeletal symptoms was significantly higher in women with vs without type 2 diabetes as was the mean severity score. In subgroup analyses, among each menopausal stage and non-Hispanic white women, there were significant differences in the numbers and total severity scores between those with type 2 diabetes and without type 2 diabetes. When background characteristics, health status, and menopausal status were controlled, having diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was positively associated with the numbers and total severity scores of musculoskeletal symptoms. Study findings supported significant associations of type 2 diabetes with musculoskeletal symptoms among midlife women. Further studies are recommended to confirm relationships in larger populations.

Index of severity of musculoskeletal symptoms in keyboardists

Abstract Introduction: Musicians may present musculoskeletal pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling due to repetitive exercises. Objective: To evaluate the severity index of musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) in keyboard players. Method: A cross-sectional study including volunteers of both sexes, aged between 18 and 40 years, who performed professionally for at least 2 years, played the keyboard for at least 3 hours a week, and did not present previous history of trauma or rheumatic, neurological, and systemic diseases. The MS and its severity index were evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the intensity was assessed on a scale of 4. The difference between the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain according to the anatomical region was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. For all analyses, a significance level of 5% was adopted. This research was conducted after the ethics committee approval (No. 2,627,609). Results: Thirty-nine volunteers with discomfort were evaluated. Pain in the thoracic and lumbar spine in the last 12 months was most common (n = 27, 69.24%; p &lt; 0.031), and in the last seven days, lumbar spine pain occurred in 12 (30.76%; p &lt; 0.001). A severity index of 2 was the most frequent (n = 21, 54%). Conclusion: Keyboardists present with MS mainly in the vertebral column, and the severity of the symptoms is significant, suggesting the importance of prevention and treatment of MS before their onset.

The effect of YOCAS©® yoga for musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer survivors on hormonal therapy.

Up to 50% of breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitor therapy report musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, significantly impacting treatment adherence and discontinuation rates. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a nationwide, multi-site, phase II/III randomized, controlled, clinical trial examining the efficacy of yoga for improving musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer survivors currently receiving hormone therapy (aromatase inhibitors [AI] or tamoxifen [TAM]). Breast cancer survivors currently receiving AI (N = 95) or TAM (N = 72) with no participation in yoga during the previous 3 months were randomized into 2 arms: (1) standard care monitoring and (2) standard care plus the 4-week yoga intervention (2x/week; 75 min/session) and included in this analysis. The yoga intervention utilized the UR Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS©(®)) program consisting of breathing exercises, 18 gentle Hatha and restorative yoga postures, and meditation. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed pre- and post-intervention. At baseline, AI users reported higher levels of general pain, muscle aches, and total physical discomfort than TAM users (all P ≤ 0.05). Among all breast cancer survivors on hormonal therapy, participants in the yoga group demonstrated greater reductions in musculoskeletal symptoms such as general pain, muscle aches and total physical discomfort from pre- to post-intervention than the control group (all P ≤ 0.05). The severity of musculoskeletal symptoms was higher for AI users compared to TAM users. Among breast cancer survivors on hormone therapy, the brief community-based YOCAS©® intervention significantly reduced general pain, muscle aches, and physical discomfort.

Working conditions of Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers and associations with musculoskeletal symptoms

The working conditions and the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 180 Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using both questionnaire (for assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors) and direct observations of posture (by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method). The prevalence and severity of symptoms was very high among the study population. The mean RULA grand score of 6.2 indicates that in most cases the workers' postures at their workstations need to be investigated and some changes are required immediately. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the job experience, daily working hours, duration of continuous work without breaks, feeling pressure due to work and working postures were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms of different body regions. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for hand-sewing tasks. These findings can help to better understand the working conditions of those jobs involving hand-sewing operation and highlight the potential for ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among these working groups.Practitioner Summary: Working conditions of hand-sewn shoe workers and their musculoskeletal symptoms were investigated. The prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms was very high among the study population. Poor working postures, feeling pressure due to work, long duration of work without breaks and prolonged daily working hours were positively associated with musculoskeletal symptoms.

Perceived discrimination from management and musculoskeletal symptoms among New York City restaurant workers

Compared with other restaurant hazards, organizational stressors are an understudied topic. Among organizational stressors, discrimination from management (DFM) appears widespread. Objectives were to assess the prevalence and links between musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) in three anatomical regions and five sources of DFM. A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey among restaurant workers was used. Participants were randomly selected by type and geographic distribution. Eighty-four percent of workers reported having MSSs in at least one anatomical region. The prevalence of severe MSSs was 24·9%. The strongest association between DFM and frequency of MSSs was "upper extremities." The strongest association between DFM and severity of MSSs was "any anatomical location." Thirty-four percent of restaurant workers reported DFM; age was the most prevalent source of DFM. In general, associations between DFM and MSSs were stronger by frequency than severity. The largest number of significant associations by sources of DFM was language and age.

YOCAS yoga for musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors: A URCC CCOP randomized, controlled clinical trial.

9028 Background: Up to 50% of breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitor therapy report significant musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, which decreases treatment adherence. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a multi-site, phase III randomized, controlled, clinical trial examining the efficacy of yoga for improving musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer patients currently receiving hormone therapy (aromatase inhibitors [AI] or tamoxifen [TAM]) through the University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). Methods: The original RCT randomized patients with any type of non-metastatic cancer without previous yoga participation into 2 arms: 1) standard care monitoring [controls] or 2) 4-week yoga intervention (2x/wk; 75 min/session) plus standard care. The yoga intervention utilized the UR Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program consisting of breathing exercises, 18 Hatha and Restorative yoga postures, and meditation. Only breast cancer patients currently receiving AI (N=95) or TAM (N=72) were included in this secondary analysis. Changes in musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using ANCOVA with baseline values as covariates between the yoga and control groups. Results: Compared to TAM users at baseline, AI users reported higher levels of general pain (1-5 score: AI=2.65 vs. TAM=2.17; p=0.01), muscle aches (0-4 score: AI=2.14 vs. TAM=1.65; p=0.01), and total physical discomfort (0-24: AI=8.03 vs. TAM=5.92; p=0.01). Among AI users only, participants in the yoga group demonstrated greater reductions in general pain (CS=change score; Yoga CS= -0.37 vs. Control CS= +0.02; p=0.02), muscle aches (Yoga CS= -0.58 vs. Control CS= -0.15; p=0.03) and total physical discomfort (Yoga CS= -2.07 vs. Control CS= -0.58; p=0.04) from pre- to post-intervention than the control group. Conclusions: The severity of musculoskeletal symptoms was higher for AI users than for TAM users. Among breast cancer patients on AI therapy, the community-based YOCAS intervention significantly reduced general pain, muscle aches, and physical discomfort. Funding: NCI U10CA37420, KL2RR024136-05, K07CA120025.

Effectiveness of a library ergonomics training program

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a library ergonomics training program. The training w as aimed at teaching librarians to apply sound ergonomics principles in their daily work acti vities and to evaluate and adjust their own workstations, with an ultimate goal of reducing musculoskeletal symptoms. The pre - and post- training ergonomics knowledge tests were distributed to the 39 subjects that participated in the project. In addition, work environment and health questionnaires were administered to the subjects before and 2 months after the program to examine changes in self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms, computer work station configuration, and other pertinent activities. The results of ergonomics knowledge tests indicate statistically significant improvement of librarians’ understanding of ergonomics principles. There are also statistically significant positive changes in the questionnaire responses to the four specific questions: “break/rest every 2 hours”, “hand/wrist positions”, “handle more than 50 lbs”, and “bend or twist at the waist to handle objects”. The changes in other categories of the questionnaire, including the presence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and perceived control over the work environment, were not statistically significant; however, there was a trend toward positive improvement . Overall, the study findings accomplish the training program’s objective of assisting librarians to improve ergonomics in the workplace and to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. The results of this study provide necessary foundation for an integrated participatory approach to reduce ergonomic injuries for librarians.

Correlation between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders among classical musicians

Musculoskeletal disorders in humans may originate from biomechanical, environmental, psychosocial and personal risk factors encountered in the working environment. These disorders in musicians are designated as playing related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). To investigate the correlation between biomechanical, environmental, psychosocial and personal risk factors and potential incidence of PRMD arising in professional classical musicians. Fifty-nine orchestral classical musicians were observed: They also filled out questionnaires providing information regarding musculoskeletal symptoms, psychosocial factors and demography. Clinical observation using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) showed significantly higher scores in string musicians compared with woodwind and brass players (right RULA score F = 4.77, P < 0.05; left RULA score, F = 3.90, P < 0.05). A multivariate regression model showed statistical significance for five of the six dependent variables regarding prevalence of painful joints, severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and functional limitation. The regression analysis revealed that biomechanical risk factors, perceived physical environment risk factors, instrument weight and average playing hours per week, were the main predictors of PRMD. The biomechanical risk factors that predict PRMD are mainly associated with the upper limbs. A high association between PRMD and clinical observation emphasizes the need for further investigation of these risk factors and to study possible implementations in order to define 'prevention strategies' for musical routines and patterns, as used by classical musicians.

Encouraging good posture in school children using computers

Musculoskeletal problems reported by school children using computers have often been linked to bad posture. This study investigates whether posture education affects the reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst secondary school children using computers. A prospective blinded randomized controlled trial. A school in Leicestershire, UK. Seventy-one school children aged 11–12 years divided into intervention (n = 37) and control (n = 34) groups. Both groups received posture training delivered by teachers at the school and were assessed on their knowledge of correct posture. A follow-up lesson was delivered 1 week later during which the intervention group also received automated posture warnings and tips on their personal computers. The prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms were measured at the start of the study and at the start and end of the follow-up lesson and any differences between the two groups found over the course of the 60 min follow-up lesson noted. By the end of the follow-up lesson, the mean visual analogue pain scale representation of the degree of discomfort due to the musculoskeletal problems fell significantly from 1.53 to 0.39 for the intervention group, while that for the control group only fell from 1.23 to 1.13 (non-significant). The overall incidence of musculoskeletal problems in the intervention group showed a greater trend towards reduction, falling significantly from 32.4% to 5.4% compared with the control group, which fell from 29.4% to 20.59% (non-significant). Postural interventions that include on-screen reminders during the course of the lesson significantly reduce the reported severity of discomfort of musculoskeletal problems and are associated with a trend towards lower reported frequencies of musculoskeletal problems overall. This data may be relevant to those devising ergonomic correction programmes for school children.

Abstract B19: Aromatase inhibitor therapy, musculoskeletal symptoms and associations with vitamin D and C-reactive protein concentrations

Abstract B19 Background Aromatase inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of post-menopausal breast cancer. Arthralgias and myalgias are major side effects. A case-control study was conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms among women treated with aromatase inhibitors compared to women without a history of cancer and to examine the associations between symptoms and concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, and serum vitamin D for clues to their underlying etiology. Methods Cases were women undergoing adjuvant treatment for breast cancer with aromatase inhibitors (n = 102). Controls were women without a history of cancer (n = 146). Questionnaires assessed the presence, severity, and location of joint, muscle and bone pain. Participants with pain were asked to rate their pain on average, as well as the degree of pain at its worst, by marking a visual analogue scale. A blood sample was collected and processed within 4 hours of collection with serum stored at -70 degrees centigrade until assayed for vitamin D and CRP concentrations. Analyses were conducted using chi-square tests and unconditional logistic regression adjusting for age and season of blood draw. Results The mean ages of cases and controls were 61.2 and 60.8 years, respectively. After adjustment for age and season of blood draw, cases were more likely than controls to complain of muscle pain (OR 1.75 95% CI 1.00-3.05) and bone pain (OR 1.77 95% CI 0.98-3.20) but not joint pain (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.46, 1.61). Average pain scores for joint and muscle symptoms were similar between cases and controls but cases rated their average bone pain higher than controls (5.1 versus 3.4; p=0.009). Serum vitamin D and CRP concentrations were not statistically significantly different between cases and controls and were not associated with location or severity of pain. Conclusions Arthralgias and myalgias are common complaints among women, regardless of aromatase inhibitor therapy. Compared to controls, cases described their pain as muscle or bone pain rather than joint pain. These symptoms were not associated with serum vitamin D or CRP concentrations. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B19.

The Ergonomics of Caring for Children: An Exploratory Study

Caring for one's children is among the most ubiquitous of occupations. However, few studies have examined the ergonomic risks involved in parents caring for children at home. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency, type, and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms in parents of children less than 4 years old. The study further examined the factors that contribute to musculoskeletal pain in this sample. A convenience sample of 130 parents with children younger than 4 years old completed a seven-page survey that included questions related to the parents' demographics, their musculoskeletal discomfort, their performance of child-care tasks with high biomechanical risks (such as carrying a child in a car seat), and parents' perceived psychological strain related to caring for their children. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the providers were mothers. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the sample reported the presence of musculoskeletal pain. The parts of the body most affected were the low back (48%), neck (17%), upper back (16%), and shoulders (11.5%). Factors associated with musculoskeletal pain were performing child-care tasks defined as having high biomechanical risks (p = .001), the perception that caring for children is highly demanding (p = .003), and performing hobbies less than 1 hour per week (p = .04). Parents' working status, age, and participation in other daily activities were not significantly related to musculoskeletal discomfort. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in parents of children under the age of 4 years. It underscores the association between physical and psychological factors in the development of musculoskeletal discomfort. It suggests the need for occupational therapy wellness programs that focus on preventing musculoskeletal discomfort and providing support for the parenting role.