Are Moderate and Vigorous Leisure-Time Physical Activity Associated With Musculoskeletal Pain? A Cross-Sectional Study Among 981 Physical Therapists

Abstract

Purpose: Musculoskeletal pain (MP) is common among workers, especially for health-care professionals. Paradoxically, many of those rehabilitating patients for pain—that is, physical therapists (PTs)—also have pain. Adequate levels of physical activity are recommended for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. However, the association between physical activity and MP among PTs remains unknown. This study aims to determine the association between moderate and vigorous leisure-time physical activity levels and MP in PTs. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Workplace. Participants: Nine hundred eighty-one PTs. Measures: Data on MP and leisure-time physical activity were collected using an online survey. Analysis: The odds for having lower level of MP as a function of physical activity were estimated using binary logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Results: Performing ≥75 min/week of vigorous leisure-time physical activity increased the odds of experiencing lower levels of neck–shoulder pain (odds ratio = 1.43, 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.94). No association was found neither between vigorous nor between moderate leisure-time physical activity and MP in the arm-hand or back. Conclusion: Performing ≥75 min/week of vigorous leisure-time physical activity is associated with lower levels of MP in neck and shoulders among PTs. No associations were found between vigorous or moderate leisure-time physical activity and MP in arm-hand and back.

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

“…Thus, improving workers' physical fitness might be an efficient strategy to improve their work ability levels. Supporting this, previous studies have shown that performing high-intensity physical activity during leisure time has a dose-response relationship with work ability in workers with physically demanding jobs [12]; more specifically, performing vigorous physical activity more than 75 min per week was associated with lower levels of musculoskeletal pain among PTs [13]. Overall, work demands determine how great a role physical fitness has in the work ability of occupational groups.…”

“…This cross-sectional study is part of a larger project investigating the working environment of Spanish PTs. Details of the procedures of the study have been reported elsewhere [13]. The present study received ethical approval from the University s Ethical Committee (H1530736596718) in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was designed and reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines to ensure comprehensive reporting of the data [14].…”

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice

“…This is particularly useful for teachers who frequently use awkward and long-lasting standing positions. Although a study reported a protective effect of physical activity on MSDs [ 36 ], other studies found that sport practice have a negative impact on locomotor system because of the frequent injuries observed during sport practice; particularly among participants with low physical fitness or those who are not involved in a professional physical activity. In addition to being more likely to suffer injuries, exercising too much can leave one feeling weak and tired [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Levels of Physical Activity and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physicians in Saudi Arabia Post COVID-19 Lockdown: An Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Furthermore, other similar results have been reported in a Dutch population-based study in which they concluded that no strong association was found between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain in general, 16 and musculoskeletal pain in specific body regions. 17 …”

“…Furthermore, other similar results have been reported in a Dutch population-based study in which they concluded that no strong association was found between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain in general, 16 and musculoskeletal pain in specific body regions. 17 It is worth investigating whether high physical activity performed outside the fitness center environment and under the supervision of a trainer has a role to play. Indeed, the small number of physicians with a gym membership in the current sample (23.08%), along with the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on the fitness industry prompting the closure of gyms, suggests that the majority perform physical activity at home.…”