Risk factors for development of non-specific musculoskeletal pain in preteens and early adolescents: a prospective 1-year follow-up study
2007

Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in preteens and early adolescents

Sample size: 1756 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): El-Metwally Ashraf, Salminen Jouko J, Auvinen Anssi, Macfarlane Gary, Mikkelsson Marja

Primary Institution: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, The Rheumatism Foundation Hospital

Hypothesis

What are the risk factors for the development of non-specific musculoskeletal pain in preteens and early adolescents?

Conclusion

The study found that psychosomatic symptoms and vigorous exercise are significant predictors of musculoskeletal pain in preteens and early adolescents.

Supporting Evidence

  • 21.5% of children reported new-onset musculoskeletal pain after one year.
  • Headache and day-time tiredness were significant predictors of non-traumatic pain.
  • Vigorous exercise was a strong predictor of traumatic musculoskeletal pain.

Takeaway

Many kids aged 10 to 12 can get pain in their bodies, and things like feeling tired or having headaches can make it more likely.

Methodology

The study followed 1756 schoolchildren over one year, assessing pain symptoms and potential risk factors through questionnaires.

Potential Biases

Self-reported measures may introduce bias in pain reporting.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data and did not evaluate pain intensity or other potential risk factors.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 9 to 13 years from southern Finland.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

[95% CI 1.16–2.44]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-8-46

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