BackgroundThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between BMI and musculoskeletal symptoms in interaction with physical workload. In addition, it was aimed to obtain insight into whether overweight and obesity are associated with an increase in occurrence of symptoms and/or decrease in recovery from symptoms.MethodsBased on a large working population sample (n = 44,793), using the data from The Netherlands Working Conditions Survey (NWCS), logistic regression analyses were carried out to investigate the association between BMI and musculoskeletal symptoms, with adjustment for potential confounders. Longitudinal data from the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study (NWCCS) of 7,909 respondents was used for the second research aim (i.e., to investigate the transition in musculoskeletal symptoms).ResultsFor high BMI an increased 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found (overweight: OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08-1.19 and obesity: OR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.39). The association was modified by physical workload, with a stronger association for employees with low physical workload than for those with high physical workload. Obesity was related to developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05-1.79) and inversely related to recovery from symptoms (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97).ConclusionBMI was associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, in particular symptoms of the lower extremity. Furthermore, the association differed for employees with high or low physical workload. Compared to employees with normal weight, obese employees had higher risk for developing symptoms as well as less recovery from symptoms. This study supports the role of biomechanical factors for the relationship between BMI and symptoms in the lower extremity.

This overview aims to guide researchers in occupational health in conducting evaluative research. Several appropriate alternatives for the randomized controlled trial design are available and feasible (ie, stepped wedge, propensity scores, instrumental variables, multiple baseline design, interrupted time series, difference-in-difference, and regression discontinuity), which may provide sufficiently strong evidence to guide decisions on implementation of interventions in workplaces.Affiliation:

In addition to physical job demands, psychosocial job characteristics play a significant role in both the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers. Moreover, preventing musculoskeletal complaints may support the ability and willingness to continue working, whereas preventing emotional exhaustion is relevant for the ability to continue working.