The relationship between leisure time, physical activities and musculoskeletal symptoms and disability in worker populations

Objectives: To assess the association between leisure time physical activit y and musculoskeletal morbidity, as well as possible interactions with phys ical activity at work. Methods: A literature search was performed to collec t all studies on musculoskeletal disorders in which physical activity was i nvolved as a variable. Next, an analysis was made of questionnaire data on a group of 2,030 workers in various occupations, on self-reported physical activity in leisure time and at work, musculoskeletal symptoms (from low ba ck, neck-shoulder and lower extremity) and sick leave due to these symptoms . A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the associatio n between musculoskeletal morbidity and four physical-activity indices (par ticipation in sports and sedentary activities, active life style, sedentary life style), adjusted for age, gender, education and work load. Interactio n of leisure activities with age and work load was tested too. Results: Ava ilable literature data (39 studies) showed inconsistent results. Most studi es did not show any effects. Some studies indicated favourable effects of p hysical activity, both on low back and neck pain. Participation in some vig orous sports seemed associated with unfavourable effects. The empirical dat a showed no association between participation in sports and/or other physic al activities in leisure time and musculoskeletal symptoms. Sedentary activ ity in leisure time was associated with higher prevalence rates of low back symptoms and sick leave due to low back symptoms. Conclusions: Stimulation of leisure time physical activity may constitute one of the means of reduc ing musculoskeletal morbidity in the working population, in particular in s edentary workers.