The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity among nursing students

Abstract

To determine the correlation between musculoskeletal system disorders and the physical activity levels of nursing students. A total of 489 nursing students included in this cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaire included Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and International physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). The standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire showed that 358 students (%73.2) reported having musculoskeletal disorders in one or more body parts, while 131 students (26.8%) had no complaints. The mean weekly energy consumption as linked to the physical activity of the participants was found to be 1542.96±1949.35 MET-min/wk. 51.5% of the individuals exhibited low levels of activity. Statistically significant correlation was found between experiencing upper back pain during the last year and the participants’ physical activity levels. The current study has shown that the prevalence of MSDs was high among nursing students, with a correlation being found between low physical activity and upper back pain. Physical activity levels should hence be considered when evaluating young adults with musculoskeletal disorders. [Med-Science 2020; 9(2.000): 462-7]

Keywords

• musculoskeletal pain
• physical activity
• nursing students