Preliminary Evaluation of New Wearable Sensors to Study Incongruous Postures Held by Employees in Viticulture.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) stand as a prominent cause of injuries in modern agriculture. Scientific research has highlighted a causal link between MSDs and awkward working postures. Several methods for the evaluation of working postures, and related risks, have been developed such as the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Nevertheless, these methods are generally applied with manual measurements on pictures or videos. As a consequence, their applicability could be scarce, and their effectiveness could be limited. The use of wearable sensors to collect kinetic data could facilitate the use of these methods for risk assessment. Nevertheless, the existing system may not be usable in the agricultural and vine sectors because of its cost, robustness and versatility to the various anthropometric characteristics of workers. The aim of this study was to develop a technology capable of collecting accurate data about uncomfortable postures and repetitive movements typical of vine workers. Specific objectives of the project were the development of a low-cost, robust, and wearable device, which could measure data about wrist angles and workers' hand positions during possible viticultural operations. Furthermore, the project was meant to test its use to evaluate incongruous postures and repetitive movements of workers' hand positions during pruning operations in vineyard. The developed sensor had 3-axis accelerometers and a gyroscope, and it could monitor the positions of the hand-wrist-forearm musculoskeletal system when moving. When such a sensor was applied to the study of a real case, such as the pruning of a vines, it permitted the evaluation of a simulated sequence of pruning and the quantification of the levels of risk induced by this type of agricultural activity.

The platelet-mitochondria nexus in autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.

Platelets are crucial for thrombosis and hemostasis. Importantly, they contain mitochondria that are responsible for energy generation and therefore vital for platelet survival and activation. Activated platelets can release mitochondria that may be free or encapsulated in platelet extracellular vesicles (EVs). Extruded mitochondria are a well-known source of mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial antigens that can be targeted by autoantibodies forming immune complexes (IC). Interaction of IC with the platelet cell surface FcγRIIA receptor results in platelet activation and release of platelet granule components. In this review, we summarize how platelets and mitochondria may contribute to the pathogenesis of different autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. Targeting key drivers of mitochondrial extrusion may ultimately lead to urgently needed targeted pharmacological interventions for treating inflammation and thrombotic diathesis, and halting organ damage in some of these rheumatological conditions.

Explainable machine learning framework to predict the risk of work-related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals.

Objective: This study aims to develop risk prediction models for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals. Methods: A stratified sampling method was employed to select employees from medical institutions in Nanning City, yielding 617 samples. The Boruta algorithm was used for feature selection, and various models, including Tree-Based Models, Single Hidden-Layer Neural Network Models (MLP), Elastic Net Models (ENet), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), were applied to predict the selected variables, utilizing SHAP algorithms for individual-level local explanations. Results: The SVM model excels in both Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and exhibits more stable performance when generalizing to unseen data. The Random Forest model exhibited relatively high overall performance on the training set. The MLP model emerges as the most consistent and accurate in predicting shoulder musculoskeletal disorders, while the SVM model shows strong fitting capabilities during the training phase, with occupational factors identified as the main contributors to WMSDs. Conclusion: This study successfully constructs work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk prediction models for healthcare professionals, enabling a quantitative analysis of the impact of occupational factors. This advancement is beneficial for future economical and convenient work-related musculoskeletal disorder screening in healthcare professions.

Facilitators and barriers to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.

INTRODUCTION: Active back-support exoskeletons are gaining more awareness as a solution to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry. METHOD: A literature review was conducted to gather relevant adoption factors related to exoskeleton implementation. Building on the TOE (Technology, Organization, and Environment) framework, two rounds of the survey via the Delphi technique were administered with 13 qualified industry professionals to determine the most important adoption factors using the relative importance index. Through semi-structured interviews, the professionals expressed their perspectives on the impact of active back-support exoskeletons on the construction industry. RESULTS: Important factors included 18 facilitators and 21 barriers. The impact of the exoskeletons in the construction industry was categorized into expected benefits, barriers, solutions, adjustment to technology, implementation, and applicable tasks. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the factors to be considered in the adoption and implementation of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry from the perspective of stakeholders. The study also elucidates the impact of active exoskeletons on construction organizations and the broader environment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study provides useful guidance to construction companies interested in adopting active back-support exoskeletons. Our results will also help manufacturers of active back-support exoskeletons to understand the functional requirements and adjustments required for utilization in the construction industry. Lastly, the study expands the application of the TOE framework to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.

Prevalence, incidence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in faculty members: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the broad acceptance of distance education (DE), with university professors and students conducting the teaching-learning process remotely from their homes. The propose of this study to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify risk factors associated with DE that may contribute to an increased incidence of these disorders among university professors. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study took a comparative approach and involved 310 university professors in Iran. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Initially, demographic and occupational information of the professors, hours of physical activity, and hours spent using electronic devices were recorded. Participants were then asked to report MSDs in various body areas throughout the previous year and the previous seven days. Finally, MSDs risk factors such as workstation ergonomics during computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet use, as well as working postures during online teaching or offline content development during the COVID-19 pandemic, were examined. RESULTS: The majority of the participants were male (66.13%), with a PhD (46.77%) and a faculty member position (74.2%). On average, the use of computers and laptops increased by 2.67 h and 2.72 h, respectively, during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). MSDs incidence increased significantly before and during the COVID pandemic was observed in the areas of the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, arms, forearms, wrists and fingers (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative incidence (Cin) of MSDs was related to the neck (Cin = 24.20%), upper back (Cin = 21.29%), low back (Cin = 18.06%) and fingers (Cin = 16.13%). The prevalence of MSDs during the COVID pandemic was significantly associated with employment status (P = 0.042), work experience (P = 0.016), age (P = 0.027), increase in the use of computers/ laptops (P < 0.001), decrease of the smartphone/tablet distance from the body (P = 0.047), workstation (smartphone-tablet, computer, laptop) (P < 0.05), head position (smartphone-tablet) (P = 0.029), display height (computer/laptop) (P = 0.045) and physical activity (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the increased duration of smartphone, computer, and laptop use, combined with decreased physical activity and detrimental changes in ergonomic conditions of workstations during the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift from dynamic to static tasks and an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MSDs among university professors.

[Method of manual-physical correction in the treatment of hypertensive disease and normalization of psychoneurological status in patients with degenerative-dystrophic processes of the musculoskeletal system]. / Metod manual'no-fizicheskoi korrektsii pri lechenii gipertonicheskoi bolezni i normalizatsii psikhonevrologicheskogo statusa u patsientov s degenerativno-distroficheskimi protsessami oporno-dvigatel'nogo apparata.

There are some non-communicable diseases (NCD) associated with arterial hypertension (AHT) that are cured after recovery from AHT. Recently confirmed the theory of centralized aerobic-anaerobic energy balance compensation (TCAAEBC) originated some NCDs with the obstructions of arterial blood flow access to the rhomboid fossa. For some sergeants, this has already been demonstrated. Since neurological NCDs are similarly considered by TCAAEBC, it is logical to analyze dynamics of such musculoskeletal neurological problem as isolated musculoskeletal chest pain (IMCP) in connection with the therapy based on TCAAEBC. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of adult patients with AHT, simultaneously suffering from IMCP. All these patients underwent complex treatment including manual techniques that restore arterial blood flow to the rhomboid fossa, followed by therapy that strengthens the muscular corset primarily of the cervical region. This, in addition to the normalization of AHT, led to a decrease in the musculoskeletal pain syndrome. The dynamic of pain was recorded according to four questionaries - Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the Quality-of-life assessment questionnaire (SF-12). The collected data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which confirms the recovery of the patients from both AHT and IMCP.

Occupational and Health-Related Risk Factors for Incident and Recurrent Back Disorders in Danish Fishers-A Register-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Fishers are at risk of back disorders due to their physically demanding work. The aim was to investigate risk factors for back disorders in fishers in Denmark. METHODS: All male Danish registered fishers between 1994 and 2017 were included. ICD-10 codes classified back disorders (M40-M54* and DM99.1-4*). A multistate model on a cause-specific cox regression model was conducted. RESULTS: Of 13,165 fishers included, 16% had a hospital contact with an incident back disorder, and 52% at least had 1 recurrent episode. Having worked in another occupation (HR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.27) and another musculoskeletal disorder (HR 1.84; 95% CI: 1.69, 2.01) were significant risk factors for the incident back disorder. No risk factors were seen for recurrent episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for incident and recurrent back disorders were different; thus, episode-specific initiatives are needed to reduce back disorders among fishers.

[Study on risk prediction model of neck work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing enterprise workers].

Objective: To explore the risk factors of neck work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among automobile manufacturing enterprise workers, and construct the risk prediction model. Methods: In May 2022, a cluster convenience sampling method was used to selet all front-line workers from an automobile manufacturing factory in Xiangyang City as the research objects. And a questionnaire survey was conducted using the modified Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire to analyze the occurrence and exposure to risk factors of neck WMSDs. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of workers' neck WMSDs symptoms, and Nomogram column charts was used to construct the risk prediction model. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the Bootstrap resampling method was used to verify the model, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to evaluate the model, and the Calibration curve was drawn. Results: A total of 1783 workers were surveyed, and the incidence of neck WMSDs symptoms was 24.8% (442/1783). Univariate logistic regression showed that age, female, smoking, working in uncomfortable postures, repetitive head movement, feeling constantly stressed at work, and completing conflicting tasks in work could increase the risk of neck WMSDs symptoms in automobile manufacturing enterprise workers (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.16-1.62; OR=2.85, 95%CI: 1.56-5.20; OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.18-1.91; OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.02-1.37; OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.04-1.72; OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.21-2.17; OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.13-1.92; P<0.05). While adequate rest time could reduce the risk of neck WMSDs symptoms (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.52-0.86, P<0.05). The risk prediction model of neck WMSDs of workers in automobile manutacturing factory had good prediction efficiency, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.72 (95%CI: 0.70-0.75, P<0.001) . Conclusion: The occurrence of neck WMSDs symptoms of workers in automobile manufacturing factory is relatively high. The risk prediction model constructed in this study can play a certain auxiliary role in predicting neck WMSDs symptoms of workers in automobile manufacturing enterprise workers.

A Bayesian model to analyse the association of comorbidities with biosimilar treatment retention in a non-medical switch scenario in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse clinical outcomes of a non-medical switch from originator adalimumab (ADA) to its ABP501 biosimilar (ABP) over 6 months in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) in relation to comorbidity as a risk factor for therapy discontinuation. METHODS: RMD patients switching from originator ADA to ABP were identified from a large routine database from October 2018 onwards. Documented clinical data at the time of non-medical switching (baseline), and at 3 and 6 months were collected. Comorbidities were represented by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) at baseline and patients were categorized based on CCI > 0. Differences in the ABP retention rate over 6 months between patients with CCI = 0 and patients with CCI > 0 were analysed using Bayesian exponential regression. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (n = 68), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 23) and psoriatic arthritis (n = 15), were identified, 74.8% of whom had continued treatment with ABP after 6 months, while a smaller proportion had either switched to another ADA biosimilar (10.8%), switched back to originator ADA (7.2%), switched to a different biologic (3.6%), or dropped out (3.6%). At baseline, a CCI > 0 was found in 38% of patients. Cardiovascular comorbidities (40%) were most prevalent followed by diseases of the skin (33%), the gastrointestinal tract (20%) and the eye (20%). ABP treatment was continued after 6 months in 74% of patients with CCI = 0 and in 76% with CCI > 0. Bayesian analysis showed only a small difference (months) in the APB continuation rate between groups (estimate 0.0012, 95% credible interval (CrI) -0.0337 to 0.0361). Adjusting for age, sex, and disease subtype revealed somewhat shorter retention rates for patients with CCI > 0, but the distribution of the difference included 0 (estimate -0.0689, 95% CrI -0.2246 to 0.0234). CONCLUSION: In a non-medical switch scenario of RMD patients, there was no evidence for a considerable difference in ABP retention rates over 6 months between comorbidity groups.

Global burden of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2021: a joint point regression and decomposition analysis.

The study aimed to investigate the pattern and trend of Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in people aged 5-19 years from 1990 to 2021. The data was sourced from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021. The Age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and their corresponding average annual percent change (AAPC) for MSK disorders were evaluated by sex, region, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. Globally, the ASPR of MSK disorders among children and adolescents increased per 100,000 population from 3048.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2336.68-3887.02) in 1990 to 3105.46 (95% CI: 2421.09-3904.95) in 2021 (AAPC 0.06 [95% CI: 0.05-0.07]). In 2021, individuals aged 15-19 experienced the highest burden compared to those aged 5-9 and 10-14. In 2021, high SDI countries had the highest ASIR, ASPR, ASDR of MSK disorders. The AAPC of ASPR in high SDI countries showed a stark contrast to that in low SDI countries for the same period (AAPC 0.48 vs. AAPC -0.03). From 1990 to 2021, in low SDI and low-middle SDI countries, the increase in DALYs was primarily due to population growth. However, in middle SDI, high-middle, and high SDI countries, the increases were mainly due to epidemiological changes. Globally, patients aged 10-14 experienced better care compared to those in the 5-9 and 15-19 age groups. Specific preventive health measures are needed for females and adolescents aged 15-19 in high SDI countries.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Digital Health Services for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions in the Primary Health Care Setting: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions have increasingly been studied and show potential. Despite the potential of digital health services, their use in primary care is lagging. A thorough implementation is needed, including the development of implementation strategies that potentially improve the use of digital health services in primary care. The first step in designing implementation strategies that fit the local context is to gain insight into determinants that influence implementation for patients and health care professionals. Until now, no systematic overview has existed of barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions in the primary health care setting. OBJECTIVE: This systematic literature review aims to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions in the primary health care setting. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for eligible qualitative and mixed methods studies up to March 2024. Methodological quality of the qualitative component of the included studies was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A framework synthesis of barriers and facilitators to implementation was conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). All identified CFIR constructs were given a reliability rating (high, medium, or low) to assess the consistency of reporting across each construct. RESULTS: Overall, 35 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Methodological quality was high in 34 studies and medium in 1 study. Barriers (-) of and facilitators (+) to implementation were identified in all 5 CFIR domains: "digital health characteristics" (ie, commercial neutral [+], privacy and safety [-], specificity [+], and good usability [+]), "outer setting" (ie, acceptance by stakeholders [+], lack of health care guidelines [-], and external financial incentives [-]), "inner setting" (ie, change of treatment routines [+ and -], information incongruence (-), and support from colleagues [+]), "characteristics of the healthcare professionals" (ie, health care professionals' acceptance [+ and -] and job satisfaction [+ and -]), and the "implementation process" (involvement [+] and justification and delegation [-]). All identified constructs and subconstructs of the CFIR had a high reliability rating. Some identified determinants that influence implementation may be facilitators in certain cases, whereas in others, they may be barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers and facilitators were identified across all 5 CFIR domains, suggesting that the implementation process can be complex and requires implementation strategies across all CFIR domains. Stakeholders, including digital health intervention developers, health care professionals, health care organizations, health policy makers, health care funders, and researchers, can consider the identified barriers and facilitators to design tailored implementation strategies after prioritization has been carried out in their local context.

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the European Portuguese version of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire: A methodological study.

PURPOSE: To culturally adapt the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) to European Portuguese and evaluate its reliability in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, the MSK-HQ was translated and culturally adapted. In the second phase, a longitudinal observational study was carried out with a convenience sample of participants with musculoskeletal conditions. Data collection began at the start of physiotherapy treatments by filling in the MSK-HQ and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). After 4-7 days, the participants were asked to fill out the MSK-HQ once again, as well as the Patient Global Improvement Change (PGIC) scale. The data collected was used to study internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error. Floor and ceiling effects were also analysed. RESULTS: The MSK-HQ was successfully translated and adapted into European Portuguese. The second phase of the study had a sample of 191 participants. This study demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.885) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC(2,1) = 0.908). The analysis of measurement error resulted in an SEM of 2.818 and an SDC at 7.811. No floor or ceiling effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MSK-HQ-PT is a reliable instrument for measuring musculoskeletal health. Further studies on its validity and responsiveness are needed.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Active Movement Scale (AMS) in adults with musculoskeletal disorders.

BACKGROUND: The Active Movement Scale (AMS) is a brief screen for identifying movement impairments affecting functional task performance. OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, and concurrent validity of the AMS in adults with musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Fifty-five subjects (mean age: 61.3±15.3 years) transitioning from physical therapy attended two sessions. The 14-item AMS was assessed by two therapists, resulting in a total score (AMST) and two sub-scores: upper body (AMSU) and lower body (AMSL). Moreover, subjects completed PROMIS Physical Function-10a (PPF), Lifestyle Physical Function (LPF), Cardio Activity Level (CAL) surveys, Two Square Agility Test (TSAT), WorkAbility Rate of Manipulation Turning (WRMT) and Placing (WRMP), Grip Strength (GS), 10-Meter Walk Usual (GSU) and Fast (GSF) pace, and Grooved Pegboard Placing (GPP) and Remove (GPR) tests. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability coefficients for AMST, AMSU, and AMSL were 0.96, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, with individual item reliability ranging from 0.58 to 1.0. Test-retest reliability for these assessments yielded coefficients of 0.93, 0.84, and 0.94, with individual item reliability ranging from 0.47 to 0.88. No floor effects were observed, but mild ceiling effects were noted. AMST showed a high correlation with LPF (r = 0.72) and moderate correlation with PPF (r = 0.64) surveys. AMSU had moderate correlations with GPP (r = 0.61) and WRMP (r = 0.57) tests, while AMSL correlated moderately with GSF (r = 0.55) and TSAT (r = 0.50) tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the reliability and validity of AMS in adults with musculoskeletal disorders to support transitions between rehabilitation and fitness programs.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: an in-depth exploration.

BACKGROUND: Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) is a multifaceted autoimmune disorder predominantly affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. This investigation delineated the spectrum and sequelae of MSK involvement in c-SLE patients. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included SLE patients aged ≤ 18 years treated at a tertiary center between 2009 and 2019. Data were extracted from electronic health records. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 321 SLE patients (mean age 13.2 ± 2.5 years, 91.3% female). MSK manifestations were observed in 134 (41.7%) individuals, with joint pain universally present, followed by joint swelling in 32.1% and morning stiffness in 9.7%. Arthritis was documented in 52 (38.8%) patients, whereas 82 (61.2%) had arthralgia. Symmetrical joint involvement was observed in 96 (71.7%) subjects. The knees, wrists, and fingers were most commonly affected, with incidences of 43.3%, 40.3%, and 33.6%, respectively. Neither erosive arthritis nor Jaccoud's arthropathy was detected. MSK symptoms were significantly correlated with older age at diagnosis, the presence of non-scarring alopecia, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and elevated SLE disease activity index scores at diagnosis. Over a median follow-up of 53.6 months (IQR 26.1-84.6), five patients developed septic arthritis or osteomyelitis, and avascular necrosis was identified in 16 (4.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of c-SLE patients demonstrated MSK manifestations, chiefly characterized by symmetrical involvement of both large and small joints without evidence of erosive arthritis or Jaccoud's arthropathy. Avascular necrosis is a critical concern and warrants close monitoring.

Musculoskeletal Complaints Among Active Duty Service Members Seeking Treatment at a Navy Military Treatment Facility.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) pose a significant problem for active duty service members (ADSMs). MSIs may compromise readiness and are one of the main reasons for separation from the Navy and long-term disability. Implementation of optimal treatment strategies rests on understanding the characteristics of MSI complaints in a given population. This study reports on the frequency and nature of MSI complaints of ADSMs seeking care at a military treatment facility (MTF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of a larger quasi-experimental study, data on MSIs from ADSMs reporting to an MTF were collected. Subjects completed a baseline questionnaire during an initial evaluation, including the self-reported MSIs for which participants were seeking care, time since onset, and other MSI comorbidities. RESULTS: Of the 289 respondents, 118 (41%) were female and 172 (59%) were male. The mean age was 33 years (SD = 8). The most frequently reported injury was low-back pain (n = 79, 27%), followed by knee pain (n = 60, 21%) and shoulder pain (n = 55, 19%). Thirty-four (12%) respondents reported injuries to the ankle or foot. The remaining respondents (21%) reported injuries to the neck, mid-back, arm or hand, hip, or other. Sixty-five (22%) reported an acute/subacute injury of less than 3 months, whereas 224 (78%) reported chronic injury >3 months. Furthermore, MSI comorbidities were reported by 233 (80%) of respondents with 128 of those reporting more than one. CONCLUSIONS: Back and knee injuries were most prevalent in ADSMs reporting an MSI at a Navy shore-based MTF. Shoulder injuries were also common. Of interest, 80% of ADSMs reported at least one MSI comorbidity and 80% reported chronic injury in this study. These rates are higher than those found in a previous study of ADSMs deployed on a carrier. This is notable because chronicity and multiple MSIs are obstacles to readiness. Our findings suggest that ADSMs reporting to shore-based facilities may be at higher risk for disability than their deployed counterparts. This information is important to the development of targeted care to improve readiness in this population.

Peer-Led Versus Authority-Led Video Intervention Effects on Musculoskeletal Injury Help-Seeking Intentions in Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

INTRODUCTION: Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) trainees are college students who complete military courses and participate in physical and tactical training under the direction of military Service Members assigned to ROTC programs to serve as faculty and staff at US colleges. ROTC trainees report musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) attributable to ROTC training in line with MSKI incidence in other training environments. However, concealment is prevalent, as 66% of MSKIs in ROTC go unreported. The current study investigated if a brief, online educational video could increase ROTC trainees' reporting intentions. In addition, we investigated if the message's source (i.e., peer or authority figure) affected reporting intentions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A repeated measures design was used to evaluate the impact of 2 MSKI educational interventions, one delivered by a high-achieving Army ROTC trainee (peer-led) and the other delivered by an Army ROTC battalion commander (authority-led), on MSKI reporting intentions, as compared to each other and a control intervention. Other than their personal introductions, both individuals had the same script addressing 4 areas: (1) MSKI prevalence in ROTC, (2) evidence of improved outcomes with early treatment, (3) encouraging injury reporting, and (4) addressing specific barriers and stigma beliefs previously identified in ROTC. The control condition consisted of a video demonstrating exercise technique with voiceover. A survey was developed to measure stigma regarding MSKI reporting and intentions to seek help for MSKI. ROTC trainees at 23 universities were invited to participate via an anonymous survey link. Participants completed the following using an online survey platform: (1) pre-intervention MSKI intentions scale, (2) randomly assigned intervention video, and (3) repeat MSKI intentions scale post-intervention. A two-way mixed, ANOVA was performed to assess interaction effects and main effects pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: One-hundred ROTC trainees (39% female; age = 21 ± 2 years, ROTC experience = 2 ± 1 years) completed the study. Participants were primarily from Army ROTC programs (72 Army, 14 Air Force, and 14 Naval). Pre-intervention survey scores (possible score range 8-56 with lower scores indicating greater intention to seek help): authority-led (n = 31) 20.3 ± 9.4, peer-led (n = 32) 21.8 ± 8.7, control (n = 37) 19.1 ± 10.1, total 20.3 ± 9.4. Post-intervention scores: authority-led 20.9 ± 11.2, peer-led 20.2 ± 10.0, control 17.3 ± 7.7, total 19.7 ± 9.3. There was no significant group*time interaction (F2,97 = 0.92, P = .403, η2partial = 0.02). There were no significant main effects for time (F1,97 = 1.461, P = .230, η2partial =0.015) or group (F2,97 = 1.08, P = .342, η2partial = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Findings did not support the use of a single educational intervention video to influence MSKI help-seeking intentions of ROTC trainees. Intentions may already be ingrained such that a single intervention could not influence change. Previous research on concussion reporting indicates that concealment cultures may be systematic and indoctrination of concealment can influence one's reporting intentions. Our sample had already participated in ROTC for 2 years. Future research should evaluate if MSKI help-seeking intentions change over the course of ROTC participation, or even over a military career.