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

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.

Association Between Device-Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Academic Performance in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Although many studies found a positive association between physical activity (PA) and academic performance (AP), most did not consider important variables of school setting and students' self-concept.

AIMS

To analyze the association between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and AP in adolescents, considering potential confounding variables of school setting and self-concept in adolescents.

METHOD

The final sample was composed of 394 students (186 boys) with a mean age of 11.3 (SD = 0.8) years. The school grades were used as an indicator of AP. Measurements of body mass and stature were collected, and the body mass index was calculated and converted into z-score values. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, self-concept, and variables of the school setting were self-reported. MVPA and sedentary behavior (SB) were measured through accelerometry (GT3X and GT3X+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, Florida). Multiple linear regression was used for the association analyses, adopting p < .05.

RESULTS

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls: β = -.105 (95% CI [-0.205, -0.006]; p = .038); β = -.136 (95% CI [-0.261, -0.011]; p = .033). After adjusting for the school setting and self-concept, these significant associations disappear.

DISCUSSION

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls regardless of age, z-score body mass index, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and SB. However, after adjusting for school setting and self-concept, theses association disappear in mathematics and global AP, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The device-measured MVPA was not associated with AP after controlling for important variables (school setting and self-concept).