Physical Performance, Anthropometrics and Functional Characteristics Influence the Intensity of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain in Military Police Officers

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a serious problem in Military Police Officers (MPO), which accounts for up to 45% of the sick leave rates. It has been assumed that the strength and the endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles are CLPB key factors, but it is not known whether these attributes are related to pain intensity. It was aimed to determine whether the strength and endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles differ in MPO with no pain (CON; n = 24), moderate (MOD; n = 42), and severe (SEV; n = 37) nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: The peak torque and endurance test of trunk flexor (PTF.BM−1) and extensor (PTE.BM−1) muscles were compared. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify pain intensity predictors in all groups (PAIN) and according to pain intensity (MOD and SEV). Results: The PTF.BM−1 was negatively related to pain and was a significant predictor, irrespective of pain intensity (PAIN). Conclusion: When pain intensity was considered the PTF.BM−1 and PTE.BM−1 explained the pain in the MOD, while the PTE.BM−1 and service time explained pain intensity in the SEV. Endurance of the flexor and extensor muscles was not related to pain intensity. These results indicated that training protocols must emphasize specific strengthening routines.

The Influence of Work Resources, Demands, and Organizational Culture on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and Citizenship Behaviors of Spanish Police Officers

“…Furthermore, certain positions require working abroad (e.g., embassies) or working away from their units for months due to reasons of national and public security, irrespective of the area they work (Scientific, Information, Immigration and borders, Judiciary and Public safety). Different studies carried out in Spain have shown that police officers are highly likely to suffer from work-related stress due to the tasks of their work [1], such as responding to emergency calls, arresting violators, delivering warrants, mediating conflicts between citizens promptly, which, in turn, harms their physical and psychological wellbeing [2][3][4]. Although previous research has also shown that flexibility-oriented cultures exert their positive effects on employees' job satisfaction (among others) [15], as far as our knowledge reaches, there is an absence of empirical studies focused on how a flexibility-oriented organizational culture can reduce the negative effects of work demands of Spanish police officers, that is to say, facilitate positive outcomes at the employee level.…”

“…Nowadays, police organizations face a wide range of environmental pressures and police officers should attempt to tailor their operations and services to the community's needs [1]. In order to perform their functions by maximizing the results of their efforts, police officers' physical and psychological wellbeing should be considered as a relevant topic [2][3][4], since empirical evidence has shown the link between personal wellbeing and positive outcomes, such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and citizenship behaviors [5,6]. Furthermore, any organizational effort to alter the work environment should be also reflected in the culture of the organization and be transmitted through organizational socialization.…”

Comparative effectiveness of electroacupuncture VS neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of chronic low back pain in active-duty personals: A single-center, randomized control study

“…Currently, there has been no reliable treatment for LBP. The investigation of risk factors and prevention strategies for LBP remains to be a research priority (12)(13)(14). Practically, pharmacological or interventional treatments may be subject to certain conditions and are associated with severe adverse effects, such as addiction and surgical complications.…”

Impact of a Season of Bike Patrol on Police Officers’ Level of Fitness: A Pilot Study

“…Introducing flexibility exercises before and during the patrol season would be beneficial to help police officers reduce the muscle tension caused by the high level of physical activity from bike patrolling. Considering that the lower back region is known to be weaker among the police population, it would be interesting to measure the strength and endurance of the lumbar region in specialized police officers, such as bike patrollers, to help determine whether the physical demand for the job presents health risks for the officers [39]. The riding position throughout the season could also be evaluated in future studies to assess whether the particular positioning of the officers on their bike exposes them to a higher prevalence of low back pain or other discomfort [40,41].…”