Musculoskeletal Asymmetry and History of Pain in Healthy Adults: Variation in Both Genders in Twin Cities of Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal asymmetries are common and have important consequences for the individual and society. This study aims to determine musculoskeletal asymmetry in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 healthy individuals with no musculoskeletal pain at the time of data collection were included in the study. Two custom-made wooden devices were used to assess the asymmetry in the participants by measuring their height from the base of the device up to different levels of the body. The modified Nordic pain scale was used to take the history of any regional pain in the last 6 months. Results: The mean age of male and female subjects was 21.69±2.19 and 23.49±1.72 years, respectively. The dominant side of the body in the majority of both genders was the right side. The most commonly reported painful site was low back with 47(23.5) males and 43(21.5) females affected, followed by neck pain in 40(20) males and 45(22.5) females. Out of 400 participants, only 31(15.5) males and 12(6) females had symmetrical shoulders and 41(20.5) males and 17(8.5) females had symmetry at the level of iliac crests. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal asymmetries are present in healthy adults at various levels of the body with a history of musculoskeletal pain relatively more prevalent in females compared to males.

Keywords

• Asymmetry
• Healthy adults
• Iliac crest level
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Shoulder asymmetry