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Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Sara Moreira

    (ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    ESS|IPVC—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal)

  • Maria Salomé Ferreira

    (ESS|IPVC—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    UICISA: E—Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Portugal School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Maria Begoña Criado

    (CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal
    IINFACTS—Institute of Research and Advance Formation in Health Sciences and Technology, 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal
    CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal)

  • Jorge Machado

    (ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal
    LABIOMEP, Laboratório de Biomecânica do Porto, Universidade do Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal)

  • Cristina Mesquita

    (ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
    CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal)

  • Sofia Lopes

    (CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal
    ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
    CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal)

  • Paula Clara Santos

    (ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
    CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
    CIAFEL—Centro de Investigação em Atividade Física, Saúde e Lazer, Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

A lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim: (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. Results: MSS occurred in the lumbar region (56.3%), neck (43.7%), and shoulders (39.5%). 44.7% of the participants reported a low level of PA. The percentage of compliance was similar among women and men (62.2% vs. 58.5%, respectively). Negative correlations were found between pain intensity and metabolic equivalent values. The participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported a lower frequency of MSS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that computer workers presented a higher frequency of MSS in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Regarding the level of PA, participants were mostly classified as low. Participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported lower MSS than those who did not. This finding could be important in obtaining successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in this group of workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Moreira & Maria Salomé Ferreira & Maria Begoña Criado & Jorge Machado & Cristina Mesquita & Sofia Lopes & Paula Clara Santos, 2021. "Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7604-:d:595968
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    References listed on IDEAS

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