Associations between strength, flexibility, and painful symptomology in university staff

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the adult population, the work environment and physical fitness levels are directly related to the onset of musculoskeletal pain, repetitive strain injuries, and decreased blood circulation. Although low levels of muscle strength and flexibility may lead to a higher prevalence of pain, specific anatomic regions are poorly addressed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the association between strength or flexibility and pain in university staff. METHODS: The sample was composed of 110 members of staff from a university in Guarapuava-PR. Body mass and height values were obtained, from which the BMI was calculated. The pain evaluation was performed by means of a questionnaire, analyzing the intensity, frequency, and anatomical region. The subjects were then submitted to strength (right and left hand grip, lumbar traction, lower limb traction) and flexibility tests (sit and reach test). RESULTS: The anatomical region with the highest prevalence of pain was the lumbar region (43.4%). When the association between the presence of pain and flexibility was performed, only the lumbar traction presented significant results, with the weakest group demonstrating pain (OR: 3.47 [1.27 – 9.49]). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that low levels of strength in the lumbar region are associated with the presence of painful symptomatology.