Patterns of musculoskeletal pain in the population: A latent class analysis using a nationally representative interviewer-based survey of 4817 Danes

Where is the pain? Spatial patterns of pain co-occurrence in a population-based study of 4833 pain drawings incorporating network analysis

ABSTRACT

Spatial pain patterns are widely used as diagnostic tools, yet population-level estimates, such as the prevalence of pain in specific body regions and likelihood of their co-occurrence, are lacking. Despite this, bilateral limb pain is considered relatively uncommon. Baseline data from a population-based Danish cohort were analysed. Twenty-one pain drawing regions, coded as binary "pain"/"no-pain" variables, were entered into an Ising model. Conditional dependencies between pairs of painful regions were quantified, while accounting for the pain state of other regions. Four-week prevalence of pain was also calculated for body regions. Of 4833 analysed pain drawings, 34.7% (1676) reported bilateral (upper or lower) limb pain and 32.3% (1561) reported symmetrical (mirrored) bilateral limb pain. Strongest positive edge weights of the Ising model were between mirrored contralateral regions; the strongest being between left and right hips (mean: 3.86, 95% confidence interval: 3.84-3.87). Next strongest edge weights were between spatially adjacent ipsilateral regions; the strongest being between the right hip and right buttock (mean: 2.72, 95% confidence interval: 2.71-2.74). Negative edge weights, indicating inhibitory relationships, were consistently seen between nonmirrored contralateral regions, the strongest being between regions adjacent to their mirrored contralateral counterparts. In conclusion, bilateral limb pain, particularly in mirrored regions, is more prevalent than previously thought. Pain co-occurrence is facilitated between mirrored contralateral regions and, to a lesser degree, between adjacent ipsilateral regions. An inhibitory effect occurs between nonmirrored contralateral regions, diminishing with increasing distance from the mirrored region. Potential inhibition between mirrored contralateral regions is likely overshadowed by the more dominant facilitation.

The Effect of Experimentally Induced Pain in the Cervical, Shoulder, or Orofacial Regions on Cervical Neuromuscular and Kinematic Features: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

In this systematic review, we synthesize the literature investigating the effect of experimentally induced pain in the cervical, shoulder, or orofacial regions on cervical neuromuscular and kinematic features. Databases were searched up to November 1, 2023. A total of 29 studies using hypertonic saline injection (n = 27) or glutamate injection (n = 2) as experimental pain models were included. Meta-analyses revealed reduced upper trapezius activation during shoulder flexion/abduction when pain was induced in the upper trapezius (standardized mean difference: -.90, 95% confidence interval: [-1.29; -.51]), splenius capitis (-1.03 [-1.44; -.63]), and supraspinatus (-.63 [-1.25; -.01]), but not in the subacromial space (.22 [-.16; .60]). Furthermore, experimentally induced pain caused a caudal redistribution of activation within the upper trapezius (.96 [.58; 1.34]) but did not change the mediolateral distribution (.11 [-.22; .42]). None of these adaptations persisted after pain resolution. Low-quality evidence supported the absence of an effect of experimental pain on upper trapezius muscle activation during manual dexterity and cervical flexion/extension tasks, as well as on cervical flexor and extensor muscle activation during cervical and jaw tasks. Inconsistent and limited evidence, attributed to the large heterogeneity of task and outcomes, precluded drawing meaningful conclusions about the effects of experimentally induced pain in the cervical region on cervical kinematics. Overall, cervical muscle activation tended to decrease in response to experimentally induced pain, and the decrease of muscle activation depended on the location of the painful stimulus. These adaptations are only partially representative of muscle activation patterns observed in clinical populations. PERSPECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a reduced or unchanged muscle activation during experimental pain in the cervical, shoulder, or orofacial regions, depending on the task and location of nociceptive stimulation. There was inconsistent evidence on cervical kinematics. These findings enhance our understanding of neuromuscular adaptations to acute experimental pain.

Identifying phenotypes in persons with temporomandibular disorders, using latent class analyses: Temporomandibular disorders and phenotypes

BACKGROUND

The heterogeneity of persons with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the lack of effective treatments have called for a biopsychosocial model and the development of a more personalised treatment approach. Emphasis on phenotypes might be a beneficial approach.

OBJECTIVE

Identifying phenotypes among persons with TMD using potential prognostic factors, including personal characteristics and responses to clinical tests. Additionally, examining the distribution of TMD diagnoses within the identified phenotypes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 208 persons (85% females) seeking physiotherapy for problems in the temporomandibular area. All participants were examined clinically and answered questionnaires electronically. The phenotypes were identified using latent class analysis based on seven potential prognostic factors selected within pain, function and psychological domains. Table analysis was used to explore the distribution of TMD diagnoses within the identified phenotypes.

RESULTS

Most participants fit into one of three identified phenotypes. Phenotype 1 (32%) was characterised by functional disability, low psychosocial scores and low risk for developing chronicity and future work disability; Phenotype 2 (29%) by parafunctional habits, low psychosocial score and seeking treatment to reduce pain; and Phenotype 3 (39%) by high levels of mental distress, fear avoidance and a large risk of future work disability. Intra-articular disorders dominated Phenotype 1, myalgia and TMD-related headache Phenotype 2, while Phenotype 3 included all the different TMD diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge about the three identified phenotypes might be useful for clinicians treating persons with TMD and for the development of preventive strategies and more personalised treatment.

Knee Pain, Joint Loading, and Structural Abnormalities on MRI in 13-Year-Old Children in a Population-Based Birth Cohort

BACKGROUND

Knee pain is a common problem in children and adolescents, and it often has a chronic character.

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence of knee pain in 13-year-old children and assess associations of knee pain with physical factors and the presence of structural abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort, were used. Prevalence and characteristics of knee pain were assessed, using a pain mannequin, in children 13 years of age (N = 1849). Patient characteristics and data on physical activity were extracted from questionnaires. The body mass index standard deviation score and waist-hip ratio were calculated from objectively measured weight and height. Structural abnormalities were assessed by MRI. The differences between children with and without knee pain were also analyzed.

RESULTS

A prevalence of 8.0% was found for knee pain in children, of which 92.3% persisted for >3 months (ie, chronic); 37.5% of the children experienced pain daily, and the pain was almost always located on the anterior side of the knee (98.6%). Higher body mass index standard deviation scores were seen in children with knee pain than in the children without knee pain. No differences in physical activity were seen between children with and without knee pain. Moreover, in children with knee pain compared with children without knee pain, characteristics of Osgood-Schlatter disease (6.8% vs 1.9%) and bipartite patella type 3 (4.7% vs 0.3%) were more often seen on MRI.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that knee pain is a relatively frequent problem in children. It is almost always located on the anterior aspect, has a chronic character, and is often experienced daily. However, the possible implication of structural abnormalities on MRI in children with knee pain and the possible relationship with the development of future knee complaints are still unclear.

Evaluation of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for Measuring Prevalence and the Consequence of Pain in a Danish Adult OI Population: A Pilot Study

Pain is a challenge in persons with OI and causes much concern in the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) population. We aim to evaluate the usability of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to identify painful sites in adults with OI and to describe the occurrence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and its impact on their work and daily activities. This cross-sectional pilot study uses the OI-NMQ to study MSK pain prevalence in nine separate anatomical regions (neck, upper back, lower back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot) and its impact on regular work and daily activities in adults with OI. The questionnaire was distributed among participants of the 2023 annual meeting of The Danish OI Society. The response rate was 68%, and all participants considered the OI-NMQ helpful in assessing the presence of pain and its consequences. The analysis included 27 adults with OI type I, III, or IV above 18 years. Among all 27 participants, MSK pain was present in 15-56% of the 9 sites within the last 7 days and 33-89% of the nine anatomical regions during the last 12 months. In 7-48% of all the participants, their regular work and daily activities had been affected by the presence of MSK pain. The OI-NMQ was feasible in assessing MSK pain among adults with OI and displayed a high prevalence of MSK pain with a moderate impact on their regular work and daily activities in this OI population. A larger and repeated measurement of MSK pain in adults with OI is needed to confirm these results.

Data-driven identification of distinct pain drawing patterns and their association with clinical and psychological factors: a study of 21,123 patients with spinal pain

ABSTRACT

The variability in pain drawing styles and analysis methods has raised concerns about the reliability of pain drawings as a screening tool for nonpain symptoms. In this study, a data-driven approach to pain drawing analysis has been used to enhance the reliability. The aim was to identify distinct clusters of pain patterns by using latent class analysis (LCA) on 46 predefined anatomical areas of a freehand digital pain drawing. Clusters were described in the clinical domains of activity limitation, pain intensity, and psychological factors. A total of 21,123 individuals were included from 2 subgroups by primary pain complaint (low back pain (LBP) [n = 15,465]) or midback/neck pain (MBPNP) [n = 5658]). Five clusters were identified for the LBP subgroup: LBP and radiating pain (19.9%), radiating pain (25.8%), local LBP (24.8%), LBP and whole leg pain (18.7%), and widespread pain (10.8%). Four clusters were identified for the MBPNP subgroup: MBPNP bilateral posterior (19.9%), MBPNP unilateral posterior + anterior (23.6%), MBPNP unilateral posterior (45.4%), and widespread pain (11.1%). The clusters derived by LCA corresponded to common, specific, and recognizable clinical presentations. Statistically significant differences were found between these clusters in every self-reported health domain. Similarly, for both LBP and MBPNP, pain drawings involving more extensive pain areas were associated with higher activity limitation, more intense pain, and more psychological distress. This study presents a versatile data-driven approach for analyzing pain drawings to assist in managing spinal pain.

Does the distribution of musculoskeletal pain shape the fate of long-term sick leave? A prospective cohort study with register follow-up

ABSTRACT

Although multisite pain can markedly reduce work ability, the relevance of the bodily pain distribution as a predictor of long-term sick leave is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between musculoskeletal pain distributions and long-term sick leave in the general working population of Denmark and included 66,177 currently employed wage earners without long-term sick leave during the prior 52 weeks. Participants reported whether they had pain in the lower extremity (hips/knees), upper extremity (neck/shoulders), or the low back. The analysis controlled for age, sex, year of survey reply, educational level, occupational group, psychosocial work factors, body max index, smoking, leisure-time physical activity, and mental health confounders. The results demonstrated that the risk of long-term sick leave increased with the number of pain sites. Compared with no pain, localized pain in any body region increased the risk/hazard by 25% to 29% (HR [95% CI]: 1.29 [1.07-1.54] for pain only in the low back), whereas pain in 2 regions increased the risk by 39% to 44% (HR [95% CI]: 1.41 [1.18-1.69] for pain in the low back + hips/knees). Workers reporting pain in all 3 regions experienced a 72% increased risk (HR [95% CI]: 1.72 [1.55-1.91]). Thus, the number of pain regions seems to matter more than the exact pain location. The spatial extension of musculoskeletal pain in workers functions as a gradient system, where pain spread throughout the body is an independent indicator of the high risk of long-term sick leave.

Occupational Injuries and Health Status Among Rural Tribal Non-Traditional Fishing Communities in the Coastal Region of Tamil Nadu, India

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the occupational injuries and health hazards associated with fishing as an occupation among non-traditional rural tribal fishing communities in the coastal region of Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a total of 170 individuals belonging to a fishing community, comprising both male (n = 82) and female (n = 88) participants. The demographic details including occupational history, lifestyle characteristics, socio-economic status, personal habits, and health status were assessed through the questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

The fishing community has a low socioeconomic status and poor literacy, lifestyle, and personal habits. The mean age of the participants was 38.8 yrs (male 34.8; female 39.9 yrs). Only 10% reported usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the work duration varied from 8 to 24 hrs in a day. While male subjects reported smoking habits (12%) and alcohol consumption (23%), none of the females reported alcohol consumption and smoking habits. The major occupational injuries that occurred were due to catfish (72%) and oysters (48%). A large number of female subjects reported musculoskeletal pains. The body mass index of about 28% of fishermen was above the normal range. Abnormal blood sugar, blood pressure, and respiratory and neurological symptoms were the other major health complaints. The major environmental hazards reported were salinity, solar radiation, tides, and high wind.

CONCLUSION

Injuries from handling fish and oysters were observed to be the major occupational burden. Additonally, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and chronic health illness was commonly observed among the fishers. Adequate training and awareness programs are required for effective management of occupational health hazards and health promotion.

Identifying latent subgroups in the older population seeking primary health care for a new episode of back pain - findings from the BACE-N cohort

BACKGROUND

Back pain is the number one condition contributing to years lived with disability worldwide, and one of the most common reasons for seeking primary care. Research on this condition in the ageing population is sparse. Further, the heterogeneity of patients with back pain complicates the management in clinical care. It is possible that subgrouping people with similar characteristics would improve management. This paper aimed to identify latent classes based on demographics, pain characteristics, psychosocial behavior, and beliefs and attitudes about back pain, among older patients seeking primary care with a new episode of back pain, and to examine if there were differences regarding the classes' first point-of-contact.

METHODS

The study was part of the international BACE (Back complaints in elders) consortium and included 435 patients aged ≥ 55 years seeking primary care (general practitioners, physiotherapists, and chiropractors) in Norway from April 2015 to March 2020. A latent class analysis was performed to identify latent classes. The classes were described in terms of baseline characteristics and first point-of-contact in primary care.

RESULTS

Four latent classes were identified. The mean age was similar across groups, as were high expectations towards improvement. Class 1 (n = 169, 39%), the "positive" class, had more positive attitudes and beliefs, less pain catastrophizing and shorter duration of current pain episode. Class 2 (n = 31, 7%), the "fearful" class, exhibited the most fear avoidance behavior, and had higher mean pain intensity. Class 3 (n = 33, 8%), the "distressed" class, had the highest scores on depression, disability, and catastrophizing. Finally, class 4 (n = 202, 46%), the "hopeful" class, showed the highest expectations for recovery, although having high pain intensity. The identified four classes showed high internal homogeneity, sufficient between-group heterogeneity and were considered clinically meaningful. The distribution of first point-of-contact was similar across classes, except for the positive class where significantly more patients visited chiropractors compared to general practitioners and physiotherapists.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified classes may contribute to targeting clinical management of these patients. Longitudinal research on these latent classes is needed to explore whether the latent classes have prognostic value. Validation studies are needed to evaluate external validity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04261309.

Improving general practice management of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: Interdisciplinarity, coherence, and concerns

OBJECTIVES

Management of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) remains a challenge in general practice. The general practitioner (GP) often experiences diagnostic uncertainty despite frequently referring patients with CMP to specialized departments. Therefore, it remains imperative to gain insights on how to optimize and reframe the current setup for the management of patients with CMP. The objective was to explore GP's perspectives on the challenges, needs, and visions for improving the management of patients with CMP.

METHODS

A qualitative study with co-design using the future workshop approach. Eight GPs participated in the future workshop (five females). Insights and visions emerged from the GP's discussions and sharing of their experiences in managing patients with CMP. The audio-recorded data were subjected to thematic text analysis.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis revealed four main themes, including (1) challenges with current pain management, (2) barriers to pain management, (3) the need for a biopsychosocial perspective, and (4) solutions and visions. All challenges are related to the complexity and diagnostic uncertainty for this patient population. GPs experienced that the patients' biomedical understanding of their pain was a barrier for management and underlined the need for a biopsychosocial approach when managing the patients. The GPs described taking on the role of coordinators for their patients with CMP but could feel ill-equipped to handle diagnostic uncertainty. An interdisciplinary unit was recommended as a possible solution to introduce a biopsychosocial approach for the examination, diagnosis, and management of the patient's CMP.

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity and diagnostic uncertainty of patients with CMP warrants a revision of the current setup. Establishing an interdisciplinary unit using a biopsychosocial approach was recommended as an option to improve the current management for patients with CMP.

Temporal stability in the prevalence and pattern of co-occurring musculoskeletal pain among people with persistent low back pain: population-based data from the Norwegian HUNT Study, 1995 to 2019

ABSTRACT

People with persistent low back pain (LBP) often report co-occurring persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in other body regions that may influence prognosis as well as treatment approaches and outcomes. This study describes the prevalence and patterns of co-occurring persistent MSK pain among people with persistent LBP based on consecutive cross-sectional studies over 3 decades in the population-based HUNT Study, Norway. The analyses comprised 15,375 participants in HUNT2 (1995-1997), 10,024 in HUNT3 (2006-2008), and 10,647 in HUNT4 (2017-2019) who reported persistent LBP. Overall, ∼90% of participants in each of the HUNT surveys with persistent LBP reported persistent co-occurring MSK pain in other body sites. The age-standardized prevalence of the most common co-occurring MSK pain sites was consistent across the 3 surveys: 64% to 65% report co-occurring neck pain, 62% to 67% report shoulder pain, and 53% to 57% report hip or thigh pain. Using latent class analysis (LCA), we identified 4 distinct patterns of persistent LBP phenotypes that were consistent across the 3 surveys: (1) "LBP only," (2) "LBP with neck or shoulder pain," (3) "LBP with lower extremity or wrist or hand pain," and (4) "LBP with multisite pain," with conditional item response probabilities of 34% to 36%, 30% to 34%, 13% to 17%, and 16% to 20%, respectively. In conclusion, 9 of 10 adults in this Norwegian population with persistent LBP report co-occurring persistent MSK pain, most commonly in the neck, shoulders, and hips or thighs. We identified 4 LCA-derived LBP phenotypes of distinct MSK pain site patterns. In the population, both the prevalence and pattern of co-occurring MSK pain and the distinct phenotypic MSK pain patterns seem stable over decades.

Prevalence and consequences of spinal pain among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Denmark

PURPOSE

To describe 1-week and 1-year prevalence of spinal pain and its consequences in relation to leisure activity, work-life, and care-seeking in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey including adults diagnosed with DM from two Danish secondary care centres. Using the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire, spinal pain prevalence (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and its consequences were evaluated (proportions, 95% confidence intervals) and compared to the general population.

RESULTS

Among 3767 people, 1-week and 1-year spinal pain prevalence were 11.6-32.4 and 18.5-49.6%, respectively, highest for lumbar pain (24.6-49.6%). The prevalence was similar between DM types for cervical and thoracic pain, but higher in type 2 for lumbar spine. Women had higher pain prevalence across spinal regions and DM types, while cervical and thoracic pain estimates were higher for age < 60 vs. ≥ 60. Within the past year, > 50% reported pain > 30 days, high proportions had reduced their activities (leisure time, 43.7-63.9%; work, 20.7-33.3%), 13.3-28.1% reported sick-leave > 30 days, and 44.3-48.5% had sought care due to spinal pain.

CONCLUSION

Spinal pain is common in people with type 1 and 2 DM, resulting in considerable consequences for work/leisure activities, sick-leave, and healthcare utilisation as compared to the general population.

Do metrics derived from self-reported and clinician-reported pain drawings agree for individuals with chronic low back pain?

BACKGROUND

Clinicians commonly use pain drawings to define the spatial extent and location of a person's pain, but limited research has investigated who should perform the drawing.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the inter-rater reliability of pain extent and location derived from three sets of pain drawings for people with chronic low back pain: one self-reported and two clinician-reported. Additionally, convergent validity of pain extent was assessed using the same dataset.

DESIGN

Repeated-measures cross-sectional study.

METHOD

Fifteen patients with chronic low back pain and a pool of eight clinicians were involved to assess the reliability of pain extent and location extracted by self-report and clinician-reported pain drawings. Inter-rater reliability of pain extent was computed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland Altman analysis. Convergent validity of pain extent was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Inter-rater reliability of pain location was assessed using the Jaccard similarity index.

RESULTS

The inter-reliability analysis for pain extent, derived from self-reported and clinician-reported pain drawings, revealed ICC scores ranging from 0.39 to 0.51, all with wide confidence intervals. The mean Jaccard similarity indexes computed for pain location ranged from 0.60 to 0.65. Moderate to good correlation was found for pain extent derived by the sets of pain drawings.

CONCLUSIONS

Inter-rater reliability of pain extent and pain location derived from self-reported and clinician-reported pain drawings is poor in patients with chronic low back pain. The lack of reliability is also confirmed when considering only clinician-reported PDs. The convergent validity analysis of pain extent revealed that the two pain drawing approaches measure a similar construct.

Sickness absence transitions among Swedish twins with back, neck or shoulder pain and common mental disorders applying a multi-state approach

We aimed to investigate transitions to and from sickness absence, or disability pension among individuals with back, neck, or shoulder pain and/or with common mental disorders (CMDs), and the role of familial (genetics and shared environment) influences on the transitions. Swedish twins born 1935-1985 who responded to pain and CMDs survey items (N = 41,516) were followed on average 8.7 years for sickness absence states in national registers. Multi-state Cox regression models were applied for three exposure groups: pain, CMDs, and presence of both, compared to unexposed. Exposure discordant twin pairs, stratified by zygosity, were analysed to assess the role of familial factors. Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals and transition intensities were calculated. HRs were similar for transitions between states among those with pain or CMDs. The highest HRs were for transitions from entry to sickness absence and sickness absence to disability pension among those with both pain and CMDs (HRs: 1.61 and 1.43, respectively). Higher HRs for dizygotic compared to monozygotic twins for the first transition to sickness absence and for altering back to not being sickness absent indicate familial confounding. Back, neck, or shoulder pain and/or CMDs indicate a higher risk to become sickness absent and for repeated sickness absence episodes over time compared to unaffected.

Prevalence and consequences of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities: A cross-sectional analysis of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Denmark

AIMS

To describe the one-week and 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities and consequences in relation to care seeking, leisure time activity, and work life in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey including adults diagnosed with type 1 and 2 diabetes from two Danish secondary care databases. Questions covered pain prevalence (shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle) and its consequences based on the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire. Data was presented using proportions (95 % confidence intervals).

RESULTS

The analysis included 3767 patients. The one-week prevalence was 9.3-30.8 % and 12-month prevalence 13.9-41.8 %, highest for shoulder pain (30.8-41.8 %). The prevalence was similar between type 1 and 2 diabetes for the upper extremity, but higher in type 2 for the lower extremity. Women had a higher pain prevalence for any joint for both diabetes types, while estimates did not vary between age groups (<60 or ≥60 years). More than half of the patients had reduced their activities at work or leisure time, and more than one-third had sought care during the past year because of pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities is common in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes from Denmark, with considerable consequences for work and leisure activities.

Conceptualising adherence to exercise for musculoskeletal pain: A concept mapping study

BACKGROUND

The concept of adherence to exercise for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is poorly defined and inadequately measured. This study aimed to, (1) conceptualise adherence to exercise therapy for MSK pain, and (2) identify statements most representative of the new conceptualisation that could be developed into items for a new measurement tool.

METHODS

Concept mapping methodology was used, which is an integrated mixed methods approach. Focus groups with stakeholders generated statements describing adherence to exercise for MSK pain. Statements were grouped according to themes and rated for importance. Data analysis via multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis produced a series of concept maps, which were refined during a further stakeholder workshop to produce the final conceptualisation of exercise adherence. Mean importance ratings established statements most suitable for future development.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight participants produced 100 unique statements concerning adherence, which were sorted and rated. Analysis of the sort data with further participant refinement concluded that adherence to exercise consists of six domains: communication with experts; targets; how exercise is prescribed; patient knowledge and understanding; motivation and support; and psychological approach and attitudes. Fifty-six statements were rated with above average importance for inclusion in a new measure of adherence to exercise for MSK pain.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to exercise for MSK pain is a complex and multi-dimensional construct represented by six distinct domains. Statements that best represent these domains have been identified by key stakeholders and will inform the development of a new measure of adherence to exercise for MSK pain.

Derived patterns of musculoskeletal symptoms and their relationships with ergonomic factors among electronic assembly workers: A latent class analysis

INTRODUCTION

Multi-site musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are considered to be more common and have more serious consequences than single-site MSS. This study aimed to determine whether derived patterns of MSS may be identified in electronic assembly workers and if extracted MSS classes are associated with personal and work-related factors.

METHOD

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed with 700 participating electronic assembly workers. The questionnaire included individual factors, psychosocial and physical exposures, and MSS. The derived patterns of MSS and their relationships with ergonomic factors were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression models (MLRM).

RESULTS

The 1-year prevalence of MSS affecting only one body site or two or more body sites was 14.9% and 32.7%, respectively. The results of LCA showed three distinct classes of MSS patterns, which were labelled 'MSS in most sites' (5.0%), 'MSS in neck and shoulder' (27.0%), and 'MSS in one or no site' (68.0%). The results of MLRM showed that the 'MSS in neck and shoulder' was associated with job tenure (OR 5.579, 95% CI 2.488-12.511), excessive dynamic and static loads (OR 3.868, 95% CI 1.702-8.793 and OR 5.270, 95% CI 2.020-13.747, respectively); while the 'MSS in most sites' was associated with high job demands (OR 4.528, 95% CI 1.647-12.445) and excessive dynamic loads (OR 111.554, 95% CI 4.996-2490.793).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed unique patterns of MSS among electronic assembly workers that were associated with personal and work-related factors.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The findings highlight that the high prevalence of multi-site MSS in this group should be a focus. It also provides further evidence that LCA considering the number and location of anatomical sites involving MSS can be used to determine distinct classes of MSS patterns, which is of great significance for the epidemiological study and management of MSS in the future.

Association of Biomarkers with Individual and Multiple Body Sites of Pain: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project

Introduction

Biochemical biomarkers may provide insight into musculoskeletal pain reported at individual or multiple body sites. The purpose of this study was to determine if biomarkers or pressure-pain threshold (PPT) were associated with individual or multiple sites of pain.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included 689 community-based participants. Self-reported symptoms (ie, pain, aching, or stiffness) were ascertained about the neck, upper back/thoracic, low back, shoulders, elbows, wrist, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Measured analytes included CXCL-6, RANTES, HA, IL-6, BDNF, OPG and NPY. A standard dolorimeter measured PPT. Logistic regression was used determine the association between biomarkers and PPT with individual and summed sites of pain.

Results

Increased IL-6 and HA were associated with knee pain (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.03, 1.64) and (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.01, 1.73) respectively; HA was also associated with elbow/wrist/hand pain (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.22, 2.09). Those with increased NPY levels were less likely to have shoulder pain (OR=0.56, 95% CI 0.33, 0.93). Biomarkers HA (OR=1.50, 95% CI 1.07, 2.10), OPG (OR=1.74, 95% CI 1.00, 3.03), CXCL-6 (OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.02, 3.01) and decreased PPT (OR=3.97, 95% CI 2.22, 7.12) were associated with multiple compared to no sites of pain. Biomarker HA (OR=1.57, 95% CI 1.06, 2.32) and decreased PPT (OR=3.53, 95% CI 1.81, 6.88) were associated with multiple compared to a single site of pain.

Conclusion

Biomarkers of inflammation (HA, OPG, IL-6 and CXCL-6), pain (NPY) and PPT may help to understand the etiology of single and multiple pain sites.

Swiss chiropractic practice-based research network and musculoskeletal pain cohort pilot study: protocol of a nationwide resource to advance musculoskeletal health services research

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain conditions, a leading cause of global disability, are usually first managed in primary care settings such as medical, physiotherapy, and chiropractic community-based practices. While chiropractors often treat MSK conditions, there is limited real-world evidence on the topic of health service outcomes among patients receiving this type of care. A nationwide Swiss chiropractic practice-based research network (PBRN) and MSK pain patient cohort study will have potential to monitor the epidemiological trends of MSK pain conditions and contribute to healthcare quality improvement. The primary aims of this protocol are to (1) describe the development of an MSK-focused PBRN within the Swiss chiropractic setting, and (2) describe the methodology of the first nested study to be conducted within the PBRN-an observational prospective patient cohort pilot study.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This initiative is conceptualised with two distinct phases. Phase I focuses on the development of the Swiss chiropractic PBRN, and will use a cross-sectional design to collect information from chiropractic clinicians nationwide. Phase II will recruit consecutive patients aged 18 years or older with MSK pain from community-based chiropractic practices participating in the PBRN into a prospective chiropractic cohort pilot study. All data collection will occur through electronic surveys offered in the three Swiss official languages (German, French, Italian) and English. Surveys will be provided to patients prior to their initial consultation in clinics, 1 hour after initial consultation, and at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after initial consultation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from the independent research ethics committee of Canton Zurich (BASEC-Nr: 2021-01479). Informed consent will be obtained electronically from all participants. Findings will be reported to stakeholders after each study phase, presented at local and international conferences, and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

STUDY PRE-REGISTRATION

Phase I-Swiss chiropractic PBRN (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05046249); Phase 2-Swiss chiropractic cohort (Swiss ChiCo) pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05116020).

Designing industrial work to be 'just right' to promote health - a study protocol for a goldilocks work intervention

BACKGROUND

The Goldilocks Work Principle expresses that productive work should be designed to promote workers' health. We recently showed that it is feasible to develop and implement modifications to productive work that change physical behaviors (i.e. sitting, standing and being active) in a direction that may promote health among industrial workers. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to conduct a cluster randomised controlled trial investigating health effects of implementing the Goldilocks Work intervention among industrial workers.

METHODS

Our implementation plan consists of educating work teams, organizing implementation meetings, and providing feedback to workers. Three meetings with a preselected local workplace group will be scheduled. The first meeting educates the group to use a planning tool by which work can be planned to have 'just right' physical behaviors. The second and third meetings will focus on supporting implementation of the tool in daily work. An expected 28 clusters of work teams across two participating production sites will be randomized to either intervention or control group. Data collection will consist of 1) questionnaires regarding work and musculoskeletal health, 2) wearable sensor measurements of the physical behavior, and 3) assessment of general health indicators, including BMI, blood pressure, and fat percentage. The primary outcome is musculoskeletal health, measured by low back pain intensity, and secondary outcomes are 1) physical behaviors at work, 2) accumulated time in long bouts of sitting, standing, and being active and 3) perceived fatigue and energy during work. Furthermore, implementation and cost of the intervention will be evaluated based on questionnaires and data from the planning tool completed by the workers.

DISCUSSION

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a 12 - weeks Goldilocks Work intervention with the aim of improving musculoskeletal health among industrial workers. The cluster randomized controlled study design and the evaluation of the implementation, results and costs of the intervention will make it capable of contributing with valuable evidence of how productive work may be designed to promote industrial workers' health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial registration was assigned 10-09-2021 (ISRCTN80969503). https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN80969503.

Musculoskeletal Conditions in Persons Living with HIV/AIDS: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

Globally 37.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, and with mortality rates declining, there is an increasing focus on comorbidities including musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to generate and summarize an overview of the existing scientific literature dealing with MSK complaints in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

METHODS

This scoping review followed the five-stage methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 1, 2020. Two reviewers independently reviewed the articles for eligibility. A data extraction form was used to chart information such as author, year of publication, data source, sample size, country of origin, ethnicity, age, gender, antiretroviral therapy, MSK condition prevalence, and anatomical location.

RESULTS

The search identified 10 522 articles. Of these, 27 studies were included after full-text screening for data extraction. Studies were conducted in thirteen different countries with diverse data sources such as outpatient clinic files, hospital records, primary care clinic files, and AIDS Service Organization files. PLWHAs have a variety of MSK conditions. Most studies reported spinal pain such as lower back or neck pain, but pain in the extremities and osteoarthritis (OA) were also represented. However, the frequencies of pain at various anatomical sites were highly variable.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of knowledge regarding MSK conditions in PLWHAs. Future studies designed to specifically study MSK complaints and disabilities are needed to gain a better picture of the impact of these conditions in PLWHAs and to inform prevention and treatment strategies globally in this often-underserved population.

Microcurrent Therapy as a Therapeutic Modality for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review Accelerating the Translation From Clinical Trials to Patient Care

Objective

To summarize the level of knowledge regarding the effects of microcurrent therapy (MCT) on musculoskeletal pain in adults.

Data Sources

The PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi database were searched from the time of their inception to December 2020.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of MCT on musculoskeletal pain were included. Additionally, non-RCTs were included to assess the adverse events.

Data Extraction

The primary outcomes were pain and adverse events related to MCT. To assess the reproducibility of MCT, we evaluated the completeness of treatment description using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. We also assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Data Synthesis

A comprehensive assessment of 4 RCTs and 5 non-RCTs that met the inclusion criteria revealed that MCT significantly improved shoulder pain (1 study, 40 patients) and knee pain (1 study, 52 patients) compared with sham MCT without any severe adverse events. MCT has clinically significant benefits for knee pain. This study also revealed a clinically significant placebo response in treating knee pain. This evidence highlights the substantial effect of placebo response in clinical care. These treatment effects on knee pain are further supported by the high quality of evidence in GRADE with high reproducibility in TIDieR.

Conclusions

The findings of this meta-analysis highlight the effect of placebo response in treating knee pain. MCT is a potential, core nonpharmacologic treatment option in clinical care with minimal adverse events and should be further investigated. This study proposes a framework for the future investigation of the effect of MCT on musculoskeletal pain to enhance the study quality and reproducibility.

Latent class-derived patterns of musculoskeletal disorders in sedentary workers and chair ergonomic design

Objectives. This study aimed to define specific patterns of multisite musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office employees and to examine how derived patterns relate to ergonomic chair design. Methods. This cross-sectional study of 254 office employees extracted major patterns of MSDs using latent class analysis and investigated the association with ergonomic chair design. Results. Four major patterns of MSDs were extracted using latent class analysis: class 1 (12.1%), individuals with high probabilities of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, back and wrists; class 2 (35.6%), individuals with near-zero probabilities of MSDs across all sites; class 3 (14.1%), those with high probabilities of complaints in the back, hips and knees; class 4 (38.2%), those with high probabilities of MSDs across all sites. Considering class 2 as the reference, there was an inverse significant association between seat comfort and membership in class 3 (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.89, 0.99]) and class 4 OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.91, 0.98], and a significant inverse relationship between body support and membership in class 4 OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]. Conclusion. MSDs can be summarized with latent class-derived patterns among office workers. Ergonomic chair design was significantly associated with type of MSD patterns.

Distribution and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain co-occurring with persistent low back pain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring musculoskeletal pain is common among people with persistent low back pain (LBP) and associated with more negative consequences than LBP alone. The distribution and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain co-occurring with persistent LBP has not been systematically described, which hence was the aim of this review.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus. We considered observational studies from clinical settings or based on cohorts of the general or working populations involving adults 18 years or older with persistent LBP (≥4 wks) and co-occurring musculoskeletal pain for eligibility. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were carried out by independent reviewers. Results are presented according to study population, distribution and location(s) of co-occurring pain.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies out of 5744 unique records met the inclusion criteria. Studies were from high-income countries in Europe, USA and Japan. A total of 34,492 people with persistent LBP were included in our evidence synthesis. Methods for assessing and categorizing co-occurring pain varied considerably between studies, but based on the available data from observational studies, we identified three main categories of co-occurring pain - these were axial pain (18 to 58%), extremity pain (6 to 50%), and multi-site musculoskeletal pain (10 to 89%). Persistent LBP with co-occurring pain was reported more often by females than males, and co-occurring pain was reported more often in patients with more disability.

CONCLUSIONS

People with persistent LBP often report co-occurring neck pain, extremity pain or multi-site pain. Assessment of co-occurring pain alongside persistent LBP vary considerable between studies and there is a need for harmonisation of measurement methods to advance our understanding of how pain in different body regions occur alongside persistent LBP.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42017068807 .

The Danish Spinal Cord Injury Shoulder (DanSCIS) cohort: methodology and primary results

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the socio-demographics, injury characteristics, prevalence of shoulder and neck symptoms, weekly participation in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and quality of life (QoL) of individuals with spinal cord injury in Denmark (SCI).

SETTING

Nation-wide community survey, Denmark.

METHODS

Individuals with SCI for >2 years were included from three SCI rehabilitation departments. Questionnaire data regarding socio-demographic details, SCI injury characteristics, medical history, shoulder and neck symptoms, LTPA and QoL were collected.

RESULTS

Of 2454 potential participants, 1517 (62%) responded to the survey (mean age = 56.2, SD 16.1, 37% female, 42% tetraplegia, 23% complete SCI, mean time since injury = 16.9, SD 13.5). 75% used some form of assistive mobility device. Responders and non-responders showed no sex or injury type/severity differences. Shoulder and neck symptoms within the past 3 months were reported by 63 and 67% respectively, with 51% reporting shoulder symptoms within the past week. Among those with symptoms, 61% had experienced shoulder symptoms and 56% neck symptoms, for more than 30 days during the previous 3 months. Symptoms often prevented participants from performing their usual activities (due to shoulder symptoms 46%, neck symptoms 41%).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of self-reported shoulder and neck symptoms was found, which may limit physical function and social activities. We succeeded in generating the Danish Spinal Cord Injury Shoulder (DanSCIS) dataset, which comprised a substantial proportion of Danish adults with SCI. Future studies using data from this cohort will investigate patterns and associations between shoulder/neck symptoms, use of assistive mobility devices, LTPA and QoL.

Prevalence of multimorbid degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent conditions in the aging population and published literature suggests they share many symptoms and often are present at the same time in patients. However, no prevalence estimates of multimorbid LSS and knee and/or hip OA are currently available. The primary objective of this systematic review is therefore to estimate the prevalence of multimorbid LSS with knee and/or hip OA using radiological, clinical, and combined case definitions.

METHODS

This systematic review protocol has been designed according to the guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration and is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. A comprehensive search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL. Forward citation tracking will be performed in Web of Science. No restriction for publication date and language will be applied in the literature search, but only articles in English will be included. The search strategy will include the following domains: LSS, knee OA, and hip OA. Retrieved citations will be screened by two authors independently. Disagreements will be discussed until consensus, and a third reviewer will be consulted if consensus cannot be reached. Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias assessment will be done by two authors independently, using a standardized data extraction form and a modified risk of bias tool for prevalence studies. Meta-analysis estimating prevalence with 95% CI will be performed using a random effects model. Meta-regression analyses will be performed to investigate the impact of the following covariates: LSS clinical presentations, sample population, healthcare setting, risk of bias, and other patient characteristics on prevalence estimates for multimorbid LSS and knee and/or hip OA.

DISCUSSION

The results of this review will provide the first estimates of the prevalence of multimorbid LSS and hip and knee OA based on various case definitions. The impact of covariates such as LSS clinical presentations, sample population, healthcare setting, risk of bias, and patient characteristics on prevalence estimates will also be presented.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, awaiting registration.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among occupational fishermen: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Commercial fishing constitutes an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), as it consists of heavy workloads and uncontrollable strenuous settings. The aims of this systematic review were to describe the prevalence of MSD among occupational fishermen and to identify risk factors for onset work-related MSD.

METHODS

All studies investigating MSD in occupational fishermen were systematically identified and reviewed. Searched databases were PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Two independent researchers performed the quality assessments of the studies.

RESULTS

From 292 articles identified, 16 articles consisting of 13 studies were suitable for inclusion. Prevalence of overall MSD ranged from 15% to 93%. The only consistent work-related risk factor was 'working part time', while other risk factors, such as vessel and job type showed conflicting results.

CONCLUSION

MSDs in occupational fishermen are common across countries. Variations observed in MSD prevalence might be due to differences in methodology, populations and definitions of MSD. Evidence on work-related risk factors for MSD is sparse and most studies were of poor methodological quality. Only working part time was identified as a consistent risk factor for MSD possibly caused by a healthy worker effect. There is a need for investigating causality in longitudinal studies, including both active and retired fishermen to better understand the complexity of MSD.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020147318.

Musculoskeletal pain distribution in 1,000 Danish schoolchildren aged 8-16 years

Background

Knowledge about the occurrence and distribution of musculoskeletal problems in early life is needed. The objectives were to group children aged 8 to 16 according to their distribution of pain in the spine, lower- and upper extremity, determine the proportion of children in each subgroup, and describe these in relation to sex, age, number- and length of episodes with pain.

Method

Data on musculoskeletal pain from about 1,000 Danish schoolchildren was collected over 3 school years (2011 to 2014) using weekly mobile phone text message responses from parents, indicating whether their child had pain in the spine, lower extremity and/or upper extremity. Result are presented for each school year individually.

Results

When pain was defined as at least 1 week with pain during a school year, Danish schoolchildren could be divided into three almost equally large groups for all three school years: Around 30% reporting no pain, around 40% reporting pain in one region, and around 30% reporting pain in two or three regions. Most commonly children experienced pain from the lower extremities (~ 60%), followed by the spine (~ 30%) and the upper extremities (~ 23%). Twice as many girls reported pain in all three sites compared to boys (10% vs. 5%) with no other statistically significant sex or age differences observed. When pain was defined as at least 3 weeks with pain during a schoolyear, 40% reported pain with similar patterns to those for the more lenient pain definition of 1 week.

Conclusion

Danish schoolchildren often experienced pain at more than one pain site during a schoolyear, and a significantly larger proportion of girls than boys reported pain in all three regions. This could indicate that, at least in some instances, the musculoskeletal system should be regarded as one entity, both for clinical and research purposes.

Associations between sport participation and knee symptoms: a cross-sectional study involving 3053 undergraduate students

Background

While a number of studies have investigated knee symptoms among elite athletes, few have directly compared the association between engagement in different sports and knee symptoms among young adults in the general population. The current study aimed to investigate the relation between sports participation hours, type/ number of sports engaged, self-rated competitiveness and knee symptoms among undergraduates.

Methods

Undergraduates were invited to participate in a self-administered online survey through invitation emails. Respondents were instructed to provide demographic information (e.g., age, gender, sports participation hours, types of engaged sports, self-rated competitiveness in sports and anxiety level etc.) and to report knee symptoms (current, the last 7 days, the last 12 months, and lifetime). Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between sports participation and current knee symptoms.

Results

Of 17,552 invitees, 3744 responded to the survey. Valid data from 3053 respondents was used for analysis. Forty-four percent of the respondents engaged in sports regularly (≥once per week). Running, cross-training and swimming were the most frequently participated sports among the respondents. The current prevalence rate of knee symptoms was 6.4%. Hours spent participating in combat sports, soccer, yoga, and basketball participation hours were significantly associated with current knee symptoms. Respondents who rated themselves as “competitive” demonstrated a higher risk of having current knee symptoms than “recreational” players. Number of engaged sports was not associated with current knee symptoms among undergraduates.

Conclusions

Certain sports types were associated with current knee symptoms. Compared to self-rated “recreational” players, self-rated “competitive” players were more likely to have current knee symptoms. Students should take preventive measures to minimize their risk of developing knee symptoms, especially when participating in combat sports, soccer, yoga, and basketball, or engaging in sports at a highly competitive level.

Novel approach towards musculoskeletal phenotypes

BACKGROUND

The multidimensional array of clinical features and prognostic factors makes it difficult to optimize management within the heterogeneity of patients with common musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify phenotypes across prognostic factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Concurrent and external validity were assessed against an established instrument and a new sample, respectively, and treatment outcome was described.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal observational study of 435 patients (aged 18-67 years) seeking treatment for nonspecific complaints in the neck, shoulder, low back or multisite/complex pain in primary health care physiotherapy in Norway. Latent class analysis was used to identify phenotypes based on 11 common prognostic factors within four biopsychosocial domains; pain, beliefs and thoughts, psychological and activity and lifestyle.

RESULTS

Five distinct phenotypes were identified. Phenotype 1 (n = 77, 17.7%) and 2 (n = 142, 32.6%) were characterized by the lowest scores across all biopsychosocial domains. Phenotype 2 showed somewhat higher levels of symptoms across the biopsychosocial domains. Phenotype 3 (n = 89, 20.5%) and 4 (n = 78, 17.9%) were more affected across all domains, but phenotype 3 and 4 had opposite patterns in the psychological and pain domains. Phenotype 5 (n = 49, 11.3%) were characterized by worse symptoms across all domains, indicating a complex phenotype. The identified phenotypes had good external and concurrent validity, also differentiating for the phenotypes in function and health-related quality of life outcome at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The phenotypes may inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving the treatment efficiency in patients with common musculoskeletal disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE

This observational prospective study identified five distinct and clinically meaningful phenotypes based on biopsychosocial prognostic factors across common musculoskeletal pain. These phenotypes were independent of primary pain location, showed good external validity, and clear variation in treatment outcome. The findings are particularly valuable as they describe the heterogeneity of patients with musculoskeletal pain and points to a need for more targeted interventions in common musculoskeletal disorders to improve treatment outcome.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among above 50-year-old population referred to the Kermanshah-Iran health bus in 2016

Objective

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important causes of disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the above 50-year-old population who referred to the health bus in Kermanshah. A questionnaire was used to collect data regarding musculoskeletal disorders of 589 people who voluntarily referred to the health bus. Means (SD) and range were used in descriptive statistics.

Results

The most prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was related to the knee (338, 57.4%). After that, the low back pain had the most frequency (319, 54.3%). The lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was related to the thighs with a frequency of 95 (16.1%). The highest rate of musculoskeletal complaints over the past week in both genders with a frequency of 251 (59.3%) among women and 68 (41%) among men was related to the low back region The highest rate of musculoskeletal complaints over the past year was also related to the low back region, with a frequency of 220 (41%) among women and 61 (36.7%) among men. Concerning the physical health of the elderly, special attention is required for the knee joint and the low back region.

The change of pain classes over time: a latent transition analysis

BACKGROUND

Pain is common in older adults, and associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. Recent research has highlighted different classes of older adults with pain, each with differing impacts on their life. It has not yet been investigated if, and how, such classes change over time and what influences individuals to prospectively transition to a profile of either improved or worsened pain impact.

METHODS

Latent transition analysis (LTA) is a longitudinal model-based approach to identifying underlying subgroups in a population. LTA was used to model the change in pain of people aged 50 and above, from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, across three waves (n = 5,925). The LTA model was extended to include biopsychosocial covariates to predict transition probabilities between classes over time.

RESULTS

Three latent classes were identified based on three pain indicators (pain presence; pain affects daily life; pain requires medication) and were characterized as "No Pain", "Low-Moderate Impact Pain" and "High Impact Pain". Results indicate that the pain class of many changes over time. However, poor physical or mental health increased the risk of transitioning to a more severe pain class, from Wave 1 to Wave 2 and Wave 2 to Wave 3.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the change in pain of older adults over time, with both marked improvement and deterioration being observed. Critically, the predictors of individuals transitioning between classes reflect the breadth of biopsychosocial factors involved in pain.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT

This article identified differing classes of pain in older adults, using latent transition analysis. The analysis demonstrated how the pain classes of older adults are broadly consistent over time, however both improvement and deterioration in pain impact were observed. Transitions between classes were associated with several biopsychosocial factors. These results have important implications for the health and quality of life of older adults. Consideration of health, lifestyle and socio-demographic factors may enhance assessment and management of pain in older adults.

Shoulder pain has most impact on poor quality of life among various types of musculoskeletal pain in middle-aged and elderly people: Yakumo study

Objectives: To investigate the severity and effect on quality of life (QOL) of various types of pain in healthy volunteers.Methods: A total of 384 subjects (male: 158, female: 226, average age: 63 years) were included in a prospective cohort study (Yakumo study). Shoulder pain, low back pain (LBP), sciatica, knee pain, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score were evaluated with SF-36.Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain, LBP, sciatica, and knee pain was 42%, 44%, 16%, and 48%, respectively, with similar severities of pain. Shoulder pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and ASES shoulder scores were significantly correlated with SF-36 domains. Subjects with poor physical QOL had significantly higher VAS scores for all pain types and a lower ASES shoulder score. Shoulder pain VAS was also significantly related to poor mental QOL. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that shoulder pain VAS (OR: 1.25, p < .05) and 10-m gait speed (OR: 1.82, p < .05) were significant independent risk factors for poor physical QOL.Conclusion: Only shoulder pain of similar severity to other pain and shoulder complaints impacted on both physical and mental QOL. The severity of shoulder pain was an independent risk factor for poor physical QOL.

Association of derived patterns of musculoskeletal disorders with psychological problems: a latent class analysis

Background

Musculoskeletal symptoms often occur in more than one anatomical site. The present study aimed to define specific patterns of multisite musculoskeletal disorders and examine how these patterns are related to common psychological problems.

Methods

Using the data from an interview-based health survey of 358 samples of the industrial manufacturing male employees, we derived major patterns of musculoskeletal complaints using latent class analysis and investigated its association with psychological problems score extracted from depression, anxiety, and stress measured by Depression/Anxiety/Stress Scale (DASS-21). Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The statistical analysis was carried out by Mplus 8.

Results

Complaints in the lower back (42.1%) and neck (30.7%) had the highest prevalence, and in the hip (15.0%) and ankle (12.2%) the lowest. Three major patterns of musculoskeletal disorders were extracted using latent class analysis. Class 1 (12.9%) was characterized by a high rate of complaints in upper musculoskeletal sites, such as the neck, shoulder, and joints; class 2 (38.2%) was identified by a higher rate of complaints in the lower and upper back; and class 3 (48.9%) was marked by low rates of complaints in all musculoskeletal sites. After adjustment for confounding variables and specifying class 3 as the reference, it turned out that there was a statistically significant association between the psychological problems score and the chance of being in class 1 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.66–3.68), but not a significant association with the chance of being in class 2 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 0.83–2.72).

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal disorders can be summarized in the latent class-derived patterns in the adult study population and provide additional prognostics. Common psychological problems are significantly associated with the type of musculoskeletal disorder patterns. The findings in this study could be useful for dealing with prevention and treatment programs.

Use of the PROMIS-29® to identify subgroups of mothers with chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

Children of mothers with chronic pain are at increased risk for poor health, but few studies have examined what characteristics of maternal chronic pain may be associated with children's risk. This study identified subgroups of mothers based on patterns of pain, physical function, and emotional function on the 29-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS-29®) and evaluated associations between maternal subgroups and children's pain and emotional functioning.

METHODS

Mothers with chronic pain (n = 334) completed the PROMIS-29® and reported on pain intensity, pain interference, physical functioning, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and participation in social activities. Mothers and their school-age children also completed measures of child pain and emotional functioning.

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis of PROMIS® domains indicated a 4-class solution (Group 1: 13.5%, Group 2: 9.9%, Group 3: 43.5%, and Group 4: 32.9%). Group 4 reported the most severe pain, psychological distress, and sleep disturbances and the lowest functioning. Group 1 reported the lowest pain, psychological distress, and sleep disturbances and the highest functioning, while Groups 2 and 3 represented moderate symptoms. Groups significantly differed on maternal reports of children's pain frequency, but not intensity, and children's self-reported somatic symptoms. Further, child depressive symptoms (mother-proxy and self-reported), anxiety (mother-proxy reported), and pain catastrophizing (self-reported) differed by maternal group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of maternal symptoms and functioning were associated with pain frequency and emotional symptoms in children. Further examination of individual differences in mothers with chronic pain that may confer risk for chronic pain and psychological disorders in children is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Development of pain in older adults: a latent class analysis of biopsychosocial risk factors

Pain significantly restricts the quality of life and well-being of older adults. With our increasingly ageing population, it is important to examine whether differing classes of biopsychosocial risk factors can predict the development of pain in older adults. Latent class analysis provides a model-based approach to identifying underlying subgroups in a population, based on some measured characteristics. In this study, latent class analysis was used to identify biopsychosocial risk classes in people aged 50 years and older, from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, who reported not often being troubled by pain at wave 1 and completed the 2-year follow-up at wave 2 (n = 4458). Four classes were identified based on 11 potential risk factors at wave 1. These classes were characterised as "Low Risk," "Physical Health Risk," "Mental Health Risk," and "High Risk." The Low-Risk class accounted for over half the sample (51.2%), whereas the High-Risk class represented 7.8% of the sample. At follow-up (wave 2), 797 (17.9%) participants reported being troubled by pain. Associations between the biopsychosocial risk classes and developing pain were examined using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The High-Risk class was more likely to develop pain compared with the Low-Risk class (adjusted OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.40-4.16). These results add to existing data in other populations supporting the role of a range of biopsychosocial risk factors that increase the risk of developing pain. These findings have important implications for the identification, and potential moderation, of these risk factors.

Multisite joint pain in older Australian women is associated with poorer psychosocial health and greater medication use

Background

Musculoskeletal pain frequently occurs in more than one body region, with up to 80% of adults reporting more than one joint pain site in the last 12 months. Older people and females are known to be more susceptible to multiple joint pain sites, however the association of multisite joint pain with physical and psychosocial functions in this population are unknown.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 579 women were analyzed. Women were asked "Which of your joints have been troublesome on most days of the past month?" Pain qualities were measured using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Short Form) and PainDETECT, and health was assessed using the SF-36 and sociodemographic variables. Statistical analysis using generalized ordinal logistic regression included comparison of three joint pain groups: no joint pain, 1-4 sites of joint pain and ≥ 5 sites of joint pain.

Results

Two thirds of respondents had multisite pain (>1 site), and one third had ≥5 joint pain sites. Compared to women with fewer joint pain sites, women with >5 joint pain sites (multisite joint pain) had significantly poorer physical and emotional health-related quality of life, more severe pain, a higher probability of neuropathic pain, and a longer duration of pain. More than half of women in the multisite joint pain group were still employed, statistically significantly more than women with no joint pain. In the final model, pain duration, the number of medications, pain intensity (discomforting and distressing) and the physical component of health-related quality of life were significantly associated with increased number of joint pain sites.

Conclusions

Over one-third of older women in our sample had >5 painful joints in the last month. These women demonstrated significantly poorer psychosocial health, and increased medication use, than women with no or fewer sites of joint pain. Many women with multisite joint pain were still in the workforce, even when nearing retirement age. This study has important implications for future research into musculoskeletal pain, particularly in regards to womens health and wellbeing, and for clinical practice where there should be increased awareness of the implications of concurrent, multisite joint pain.

Epidemiological profiles of chronic low back and knee pain in middle-aged and elderly Japanese from the Murakami cohort

Purpose

Epidemiological profiles of chronic low back and knee pain have not been studied extensively. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors associated with chronic low back and knee pain in middle-aged and elderly Japanese.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 14,217 community-dwelling individuals aged 40–74 years living in the Murakami area of Japan. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding marital status, education level, occupation, household income, and body size. Participants also reported current chronic pain, if any, by site and degree of severity, using the verbal rating scale of the Short Form 36.

Results

The prevalence of moderate–very severe chronic pain was 9.7% in the low back, 6.7% in the knee, 13.9% in either the low back or knee, and 2.6% in both the low back and knee. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower education level, lower income, and manual occupation in men and older age and higher body mass index in women were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of chronic low back pain. In both sexes, older age, lower education level, and higher body mass index were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of knee pain. Regarding sex differences, adjusted ORs of chronic pain of the low back and knee for women were 0.85 (95% CI 0.75–0.97) and 1.27 (95% CI 1.09–1.49), respectively.

Conclusion

Nearly 14% of middle-aged and elderly individuals had moderate–very severe chronic pain of the low back or knee, and this pain was associated with many demographic factors, including sex, age, education level, household income, occupation, and body size.

Examining the Heterogeneity and Cost Effectiveness of a Complex Intervention by Segmentation of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVES

To examine the heterogeneity in cost-effectiveness analyses of patient-tailored complex interventions.

METHODS

Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed on data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a patient-tailored case management strategy for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LCA was conducted on detailed process variables representing service variation in the intervention group. Features of the identified latent classes were compared for consistency with baseline demographic, clinical, and economic characteristics for each class. Classes for the control group, corresponding to the identified latent classes for the intervention group, were identified using multinomial logistic regression. Cost-utility analyses were then conducted at the class level, and uncertainty surrounding the point estimates was assessed by probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The LCA identified three distinct classes: the psychologically care class, the extensive COPD care class, and the limited COPD care class. Patient baseline characteristics were in line with the features identified in the LCA. Evaluation of cost-effectiveness revealed highly disparate results, and case management for only the extensive COPD care class appeared cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £26,986 per quality-adjusted life-year gained using the threshold value set by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that researchers evaluating patient-tailored complex interventions need to address both supply-side variation and demand-side heterogeneity to link findings with outcome. The article specifically proposes the use of LCA because it is believed to have the potential to enable more appropriate targeting of complex care strategies.

Prevalence and pattern of co-occurring musculoskeletal pain and its association with back-related disability among people with persistent low back pain: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with persistent low back pain commonly have a broad range of other health concerns including co-occurring musculoskeletal pain, which significantly affect their quality of life, symptom severity, and treatment outcomes. The purpose of this review is to get a better understanding of prevalence and patterns of co-occurring musculoskeletal pain complaints in those with persistent low back pain and its potential association with age, sex, and back-related disability as it might affect prognosis and management.

METHODS

This systematic review protocol has been designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will perform a comprehensive search, with no date limit, in the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE and Embase (via Ovid), CINAHL, and Scopus for citation tracking, based on the following domains: back pain, co-occurring musculoskeletal pain, combined with a focus group that emphasizes study design. Appropriate papers will be screened against the eligibility criteria by three reviewers independently, data extracted by two independent author pairs and disagreement resolved by consensus meetings or other reviewers if required. Assessment of methodological quality and risk of bias will be conducted using a modified version of the Risk of Bias Tool for Prevalence Studies developed by Hoy and colleagues. The overall risk of bias will be determined for each included study based on the raters' consensus of the responses to the items in this tool. In case of sufficiently homogenous studies, meta-analysis will be performed.

DISCUSSION

Given the lack of standard terms used to define co-occurring musculoskeletal pain, the search strategy will include the broader term "back pain," different terms for the "other co-occurring pain," and specific study designs combined with several exclusion terms. The results of this proposed review will identify the prevalence and patterns of co-occurring musculoskeletal pain among those with persistent low back pain, which is likely to inform clinical management, research, and policy in management of musculoskeletal disorders.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42017068807.

The Association Between Symptomatic and Diagnostic Depression and Pain Among the Elderly Population in South Korea

The exact nature of pain (amount or severity) associated with in depression in the elderly population has not been studied extensively yet. We investigated the association between the characteristics of pain and both symptomatic and diagnostic depression using data from the 2012 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2164 men, 2066 women). Symptomatic depression was identified a score of 12 or higher on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for depression using multiple logistic regression models after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, health behavioral factors, and chronic diseases. The fully adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for symptomatic/diagnostic depression were "1" = 2.09 (1.62-2.49)/1.71 (1.03-2.86), "2" = 1.88 (1.42-2.49)/1.82 (1.05-3.13), and ">3" = 2.27 (1.71-3.01)/3.21 (1.94-5.32), and 1.86 (1.48-2.33)/1.57 (1.00-2.49) for mild, 1.74 (1.22-2.48)/2.10 (1.11-3.98) for moderate, and 5.41 (3.77-7.77)/7.34 (4.15-12.99) for severe of pain. The results indicated a significant association between the number of sites and severity of pain and the prevalence of depression in the Korean elderly.

Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Musculoskeletal pain, the most common cause of disability globally, is most frequently managed in primary care. People with musculoskeletal pain in different body regions share similar characteristics, prognosis, and may respond to similar treatments. This overview aims to summarise current best evidence on currently available treatment options for the five most common musculoskeletal pain presentations (back, neck, shoulder, knee and multi-site pain) in primary care.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted. Initial searches identified clinical guidelines, clinical pathways and systematic reviews. Additional searches found recently published trials and those addressing gaps in the evidence base. Data on study populations, interventions, and outcomes of intervention on pain and function were extracted. Quality of systematic reviews was assessed using AMSTAR, and strength of evidence rated using a modified GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Moderate to strong evidence suggests that exercise therapy and psychosocial interventions are effective for relieving pain and improving function for musculoskeletal pain. NSAIDs and opioids reduce pain in the short-term, but the effect size is modest and the potential for adverse effects need careful consideration. Corticosteroid injections were found to be beneficial for short-term pain relief among patients with knee and shoulder pain. However, current evidence remains equivocal on optimal dose, intensity and frequency, or mode of application for most treatment options.

CONCLUSION

This review presents a comprehensive summary and critical assessment of current evidence for the treatment of pain presentations in primary care. The evidence synthesis of interventions for common musculoskeletal pain presentations shows moderate-strong evidence for exercise therapy and psychosocial interventions, with short-term benefits only from pharmacological treatments. Future research into optimal dose and application of the most promising treatments is needed.

Are degenerative rotator cuff disorders a cause of shoulder pain? Comparison of prevalence of degenerative rotator cuff disease to prevalence of nontraumatic shoulder pain through three systematic and critical reviews

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND

The role of degeneration is not well understood for rotator cuff pain. If age-related degenerative changes would be the cause of symptoms, degeneration would precede or concur with self-reported pain. We performed 3 systematic literature reviews. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence estimates for rotator cuff partial or complete tears (1) in cadavers and (2) in the general population and (3) to estimate the incidence/prevalence of self-reported nontraumatic shoulder pain in the general population in order to compare their respective age-related profiles.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect, including 2015, for cadaveric studies and transverse and longitudinal studies of the general population reporting the incidence/prevalence of rotator cuff disorders or nontraumatic shoulder pain, or both, according to age. The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results were interpreted visually.

RESULTS

We found 6 cadaveric studies, 2 studies from the general population reporting complete tears, and 10 articles on nontraumatic shoulder pain in the general population that met our criteria. The profiles of degeneration vs. pain were very similar in early years. Although degenerative rotators cuff lesions increased gradually after 50 years, the incidence/prevalence of nontraumatic shoulder pain decreased after 65 years.

CONCLUSION

The profile of age-related degenerative rotator cuff disorders fails to correlate systematically with self-reported nontraumatic shoulder pain, particularly in older age; thus, it appears that degeneration should not be considered the primary source of the pain. Physical activity may play an important role in the production of the pain, a theory that warrants further study.

Identifying subgroups of patients using latent class analysis: should we use a single-stage or a two-stage approach? A methodological study using a cohort of patients with low back pain

Background

Heterogeneity in patients with low back pain (LBP) is well recognised and different approaches to subgrouping have been proposed. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) is a statistical technique that is increasingly being used to identify subgroups based on patient characteristics. However, as LBP is a complex multi-domain condition, the optimal approach when using LCA is unknown. Therefore, this paper describes the exploration of two approaches to LCA that may help improve the identification of clinically relevant and interpretable LBP subgroups.

Methods

From 928 LBP patients consulting a chiropractor, baseline data were used as input to the statistical subgrouping. In a single-stage LCA, all variables were modelled simultaneously to identify patient subgroups. In a two-stage LCA, we used the latent class membership from our previously published LCA within each of six domains of health (activity, contextual factors, pain, participation, physical impairment and psychology) (first stage) as the variables entered into the second stage of the two-stage LCA to identify patient subgroups. The description of the results of the single-stage and two-stage LCA was based on a combination of statistical performance measures, qualitative evaluation of clinical interpretability (face validity) and a subgroup membership comparison.

Results

For the single-stage LCA, a model solution with seven patient subgroups was preferred, and for the two-stage LCA, a nine patient subgroup model. Both approaches identified similar, but not identical, patient subgroups characterised by (i) mild intermittent LBP, (ii) recent severe LBP and activity limitations, (iii) very recent severe LBP with both activity and participation limitations, (iv) work-related LBP, (v) LBP and several negative consequences and (vi) LBP with nerve root involvement.

Conclusions

Both approaches identified clinically interpretable patient subgroups. The potential importance of these subgroups needs to be investigated by exploring whether they can be identified in other cohorts and by examining their possible association with patient outcomes. This may inform the selection of a preferred LCA approach.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1411-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Generic prognostic factors for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To summarise the evidence for generic prognostic factors across a range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

SETTING

primary care.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

Comprehensive systematic literature review. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and EMBASE were searched for prospective cohort studies, based in primary care (search period-inception to December 2015). Studies were included if they reported on adults consulting with MSK conditions and provided data on associations between baseline characteristics (prognostic factors) and outcome. A prognostic factor was identified as generic when significantly associated with any outcome for 2 or more different MSK conditions. Evidence synthesis focused on consistency of findings and study quality.

RESULTS

14 682 citations were identified and 78 studies were included (involving more than 48 000 participants with 18 different outcome domains). 51 studies were on spinal pain/back pain/low back pain, 12 on neck/shoulder/arm pain, 3 on knee pain, 3 on hip pain and 9 on multisite pain/widespread pain. Total quality scores ranged from 5 to 14 (mean 11) and 65 studies (83%) scored 9 or more. Out of a total of 78 different prognostic factors for which data were provided, the following factors are considered to be generic prognostic factors for MSK conditions: widespread pain, high functional disability, somatisation, high pain intensity and presence of previous pain episodes. In addition, consistent evidence was found for use of pain medications not to be associated with outcome, suggesting that this factor is not a generic prognostic factor for MSK conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This large review provides new evidence for generic prognostic factors for MSK conditions in primary care. Such factors include pain intensity, widespread pain, high functional disability, somatisation and movement restriction. This information can be used to screen and select patients for targeted treatment in clinical research as well as to inform the management of MSK conditions in primary care.

Overview of Pain Management in Older Adults

Epidemiological data suggests that the prevalence of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain increases with age until at least late mid-life, though the pattern is somewhat unclear beyond this point. And though the prevalence of some types of pain may peak in late midlife, pain is still a substantial and common complaint even in the oldest age groups. This article provides an overview of later-life pain and includes a brief review of its epidemiology, describes commonly encountered barriers to its management, and discusses guidelines and recommended approaches to its assessment and management.