The association between body mass index and musculoskeletal pain in foundation phase educators

Abstract

Evidence supports the association between body mass index (BMI) and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) with overweight/obese states being a significant predictor of MSP. This association may be related to vocation and the extent of musculoskeletal exertion therein. This study examined the association between BMI and MSP among foundation phase educators (males: n=19; females: n=78). Educators, classified as non-overweight (BMI ≤ 24.9kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥ 25kg/m²), were analyzed for neck/shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP) using a validated questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses presented odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) on the association between BMI and MSP (age and gender adjusted). Of 70 completed data sets (including questionnaires and measurement data sheets), 35.7% (n=25) were within the non-overweight BMI range and 64.3% (n=45) were within the overweight/obese group. NSP was reported in 85.7% (n=60) of educators, within which 61.7% (n=37) were in the overweight category. LBP was reported in 78.5% (n=55), 63.7% (n=35) of whom were in the overweight/obese group. Overweight individuals were more likely to experience NSP (OR: 2.486, 95% CI: 0.485-12.749) and LBP (OR: 1.143, 95% CI: 0.342-3.817). Our findings highlight significant associations between BMI and MSP. These findings suggest the need to explore worksite interventions, including workload/ergonomic considerations that reduce MSP, promote a healthy BMI and desirable quality of life among educators.

Keywords: Body mass index, musculoskeletal pain, foundation phase educators, obesity, overweight