Are lumbar traction strength and sit and reach flexibility associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain in two years in university staff?

Abstract

Background: Increase of musculoskeletal disorders is related to an economic burden; also elevate time spend in sedentary behavior can lead to a decrease in physical fitness and consequently an incidence in musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate if low lumbar traction strength and flexibility could predict musculoskeletal pain in university staff in two years. Methods: This is a longitudinal study with 2-year follow-up. Fifty-three university staff members participated in this longitudinal study: age = 38±8 years, height = 171±10 cm, body mass = 75±14 kg, and body mass index = 26±4 m/kg2. The participants performed the lumbar traction and the sit and reach tests, and completed the Corlett and Bishop body map and musculoskeletal pain questionnaire at baseline and two years later. Results: There was a 4% increase in pain prevalence on year 2, but 62% of the participants remained in the same pain classification. Men presented 11% decrease in lumbar traction strength, whereas women presented 21% decrease in strength. Flexibility level at baseline was not associated with developing pain. However, individuals in the lower 75th lumbar traction strength percentile at baseline had 3.2 higher odds of reporting musculoskeletal pain two years later than those in the higher 25th strength percentile. Conclusion: University staff presented decreases in lumbar traction strength and flexibility over a two year period. Weaker individuals at baseline were more likely to report musculoskeletal pain two years later than those who were stronger. Flexibility levels were not associated with developing pain.

Pengaruh Pembelajaran Blended Learning Terhadap Peningkatan Fleksibilitas Togok Dalam Pembelajaran Senam Lanjutan

“…Penelitian lain mengungkap adanya penurunan kekuatan dan fleksibilitas traksi lumbal selama periode dua tahun. Individu yang lebih lemah pada awal lebih mungkin untuk melaporkan nyeri muskuloskeletal dua tahun kemudian daripada mereka yang lebih kuat, meski demikian tingkat fleksibilitas tidak terkait dengan berkembangnya rasa sakit (Weber et al, 2020). Hal ini dikarenakan budaya aktivitas fisik yang aktif tidak berjalan sebagaimana mestinya dalam kehidupan bekerja kantor para karyawan yang bekerja di universitas, dan hal ini juga kemungkinan besar dapat terjadi pada siswa atau mahasiswa yang belajar daring secara terus menerus tanpa diselingi aktivitas fisik (Yudho et al, 2020).…”