Physical activity is associated with a low prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the Royal Norwegian Navy: a cross sectional study
2007

Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Norwegian Navy

Sample size: 2265 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tone Morken, Nils Magerøy, Bente E. Moen

Primary Institution: University of Bergen

Hypothesis

More physical activity is associated with less musculoskeletal disorders among Navy personnel.

Conclusion

A physically active lifestyle both at work and at leisure was associated with fewer musculoskeletal disorders among personnel in the Royal Norwegian Navy.

Supporting Evidence

  • 32% of workers reported musculoskeletal disorders often or very often.
  • Physical activity was inversely associated with musculoskeletal disorders for most body sites.
  • Civilians reported more musculoskeletal disorders than military personnel.

Takeaway

If you move around a lot, you might hurt less! This study found that people in the Navy who are active have fewer aches and pains.

Methodology

A questionnaire was completed by Navy personnel to assess musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias from non-responders and the healthy worker effect.

Limitations

The cross-sectional design does not allow for causal conclusions, and there may be selection bias due to the healthy worker effect.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 1657 military personnel (74%) and 593 civilians (26%), aged 18 to 70 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-8-56

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