Is physical capacity associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers? A cross-sectional study

Purpose Low physical capacity is hypothesized to be associated with the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether physical capacity is associated with the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and thoracic and lumbar spine among office workers. Methods Sixty-seven office workers, recruited at the university, were evaluated regarding the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Measurements of muscle strength and endurance of shoulder abduction, endurance of trunk flexion and extension, and back and leg flexibility were obtained. Data were analysed through a binomial logistic regression model, considering physical capacity as the independent variable and symptoms as the dependent variable. An adjusted model was also applied that controlled for individual and occupational covariates. Results The basic model showed a significant association between reduced shoulder abduction strength and neck (OR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.98) and shoulder symptoms (OR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.99), and between reduced back and leg flexibility and thoracic spine symptoms (OR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.99). The adjusted model, after controlling for the covariates, demonstrated that reduced shoulder abduction strength (OR: 0.70; 95% CI 0.52-0.94) and reduced back and leg flexibility (OR: 0.81; 95% CI 0.66-0.99) were associated, instead, with the occurrence of neck and low back symptoms, respectively, in the last 12 months. Conclusions Physical capacity is associated with the presence of neck and low back symptoms in office workers. Furthermore, individual and occupational characteristics affect the relationship between physical capacity and musculoskeletal symptoms and should be considered for understanding and managing musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers.