Neck Pain and Balance Issues in Cleaners
Author Information
Author(s): Jørgensen Marie B, Skotte Jørgen H, Holtermann Andreas, Sjøgaard Gisela, Petersen Nicolas C, Søgaard Karen
Primary Institution: National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Cleaners with neck pain suffer from postural dysfunction.
Conclusion
Cleaners with neck pain have impaired postural balance compared to those without neck pain.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of cleaners with neck pain failed the unilateral stance test compared to 61% without neck pain.
- Impaired postural balance was observed in cleaners with neck pain during the Romberg test with eyes closed.
- The study suggests a particular role of the slow component of postural sway in those with neck pain.
- Concurrent neck and low back pain significantly increased the risk of failure in balance tests.
Takeaway
Cleaners who have neck pain often have trouble balancing, especially when standing on one leg.
Methodology
The study involved 194 cleaners, with balance tested through various methods including unilateral stance and Romberg tests.
Potential Biases
Participants with other balance disturbances were not excluded, which may affect results.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causation between neck pain and postural dysfunction.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 194 cleaners, predominantly female (78%), with an average age of 45 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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