Browsing by Author "Sipilä, Lumi"

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders represent a remarkable burden to society and an unpleasant burden for the individual. Physical activity (PA) can prevent MSK disorders while conferring other beneficial effects on health. The present study aimed to investigate associations between device-measured PA and perceived MSK disorders among young adult men. Methods Participants’ physical behavior was measured with a hip-worn accelerometer in a sample of 422 young adult Finnish men aged 26 (SD 7) years. Incidences of three common MSK disorders (knee pain, lumbar radiating pain, and lumbago pain) during the last month were inquired by a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the MSK outcomes and explanatory PA variables (PA times at different intensity levels, standing, and sedentary times). Age, education, smoking, BMI, and maximal oxygen uptake were controlled for in the models. Results PA and sedentary times were not significantly associated with the incidence of perceived MSK pain during the last month, except for lumbago pain. For lumbar radiating pain, the odd ratio (OR) was 1.02 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.09), and for knee pain, the OR was 1.02 (95%CI 0.96 to 1.08). Lumbago pain was more probable if the relative time spent in light PA increased, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. However, the OR was yet small, only 1.07 (95% CI 1.02 – 1.14). Conclusions The lack of significant and clinically meaningful associations between device-measured PA and common MSK disorders observed in by young adult men was surprising and requires further confirmation.