Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve the general health of patients with chronic diseases and to prevent the onset of such conditions. However, the association between multimorbidity and PA has not been investigated in detail, and recent studies of this topic yield dissenting results. The objective of this study was to examine whether PA levels were associated with multimorbidity, self-rated health and functional limitation. This was a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2009 European Health Interview Survey for Spain. The sample population included 22,190 adults over 15 years of age. The independent variables were multimorbidity (measured as the number of chronic diseases), activity limitations, and self-rated health status. The dependent variable was PA level, measured as a) a continuous variable in metabolic equivalents (METs) and b) a dichotomous variable based on international recommendations (74 years), using multivariate linear and logistic regression models that were adjusted for age, educational level and employment status. An inverse association was found between PA and multimorbidity among older males and young females between 16–24 years. This negative association was also observed among males aged 25–44 years when analysing PA as a dichotomous variable. Self-rated health status was directly related to the achievement of minimum PA levels among middle-aged and older individuals, but the opposite happened among the youngest group of females. Significant associations between the existence of activity limitations and the performance of lower volumes of PA were consistently observed among subjects over 44 years. There is an inverse association between multimorbidity and PA in the youngest and oldest age groups. In addition, both low self-rated health status and the presence of functional limitations were related to lower PA in most of the examined population groups. These features should be considered in the design and implementation of community-based approaches to promoting PA, if further corroborated in longitudinal studies.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a six week exercise program to reduce the muscle tone of the trapezius and musculoskeletal discomfort (MED) of office workers. Twenty-six workers performed an exercise program based on: (1) stretching of cervical and/or dorsal region; (2) joint mobility of shoulders and rachis; (3) strengthening deep stabilizer and core muscles; and (4) scapula stabilizing exercises. A Myoton device was used to evaluate trapezius tone and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to assess changes in MED at three points of evaluation: at the beginning (Pre_1) and at the end of the workday (Post_1), and after the training program (Pre_2). The Wilcoxon test and Cohen’s d were performed to examine differences and effect sizes between evaluations. Main results show that trapezius tone remained constant during the workday, but decreased in the dominant upper trapezius (p = 0.003, ES = −0.60) and increased in the non-dominant middle trapezius (p = 0.016, ES = 0.45) after the exercise program, which eliminated significant muscle asymmetries. MED significantly decreased in the neck (p = 0.027, ES = −0.60) and upper back (p = 0.046, ES = −0.67). In conclusion, MED appears to improve in office workers after a six week training program, which may be explained by a decrease in trapezius tone and increase in the left middle trapezius tone.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in manufacturing workers. Several strategies have been proposed in order to reduce the pain and/or improve functionality. Among them, lumbar supports are a common solution prescribed for lumbar pain relief. Most of the studies in the literature only consider subjective sensations of the workers for evaluation assessment. This study applies biomechanical tests (a flexion-relaxation test and a functional movement evaluation test) to analyse the effectiveness of flexible lumbar supports in functionality and disability versus placebo intervention, consisting of kinesiotape placed on the low back without any stress. 28 workers participated in the study, randomised in control and intervention groups with a two months’ intervention. None of the biomechanical tests showed statistical differences in between-groups pre-post changes. No benefits of wearing a flexible lumbar support during the workday have been found in these assembly-line workers versus placebo intervention.

Purpose. Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for the appearance of lower back pain during work. The aim of this study was to observe changes in spinal sagittal alignment, height and the perception of back pain in office workers during a workday. Materials and methods. Forty-one office workers (20 women) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. Height, sitting height and degrees of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as well as perceived neck pain, lower back pain and upper back pain were determined, before and after an 8-h workday. Results. At the end of the day, workers had a significant decrease (p = 0.000) in height and sitting height, and upper back pain increased significantly (p = 0.023). In men, spinal shrinkage correlated with neck pain (r = 0.410, p = 0.027), and lumbar lordosis degrees in women correlated negatively with upper back pain at the end of the day (r = -0.440, p = 0.012). Conclusions. Spinal shrinkage equally affects men and women who perform the same work. There are no changes in spinal sagittal alignment throughout the workday in office workers. Office workers show significantly increased pain in the upper back at the end of the day.

Background: Prolonged standing and lifting heavy loads are risk factors for the appearance of low back pain in work. The aim of this study was to observe changes in the height, spinal sagittal alignment, and the lumbar and dorsal discomfort perception in assembly line workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study. 40 assembly line workers (6 females). Height, sitting height, grades of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis and perceived spine discomfort, before and after the working day, were determined. Thoracic and lumbar sagittal alignment was compared between discomfort developers and no developers. Results: There was a significant decrease in the height and sitting height of the workers at the end of the day. Thoracic and lumbar curvature increased significantly, as did perceived lumbar discomfort. Conclusion: Workers on the assembly line, in a prolonged standing work, suffer an increase in lumbar discomfort, and changes in height and thoracic and lumbar curvatures. Practitioner Summary: Spinal shrinkage, sagittal alignment and back discomfort (upper and lower back), were analysed in assembly line workers in prolonged standing during a work day. Assembly line workers suffer a decrease in height, an increase in their thoracic and lumbar curvature, and in lumbar discomfort throughout their workday.

Forklifts are commonly used in industrial supply chains to transport heavy loads. Forklift drivers have the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort derived from the movement pattern required at work. This research aimed to investigate the spinal range of motion (ROM) and musculoskeletal discomfort of forklift drivers and compare it with a control group. Forklift drivers (39 males) and office workers (31 males) were recruited to assess cervical, thoracic, and lumbar ROM with an electronic double inclinometer. Additionally, musculoskeletal discomfort was registered with the Cornell Discomfort Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Forklift drivers showed a higher cervical discomfort and ROM of lateral lumbar bending than office workers. Both groups reported lower ROM in cervical and lumbar lateral bending on the right side versus the left side. No differences of asymmetry were reported for any variable between groups. Specific exercise programs may correct these mobility imbalances.