Occupational Profile, Psychosocial Aspects, and Work Ability of Brazilian Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic: IMPPAC Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The IMPPAC cohort (Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial aspects and work ability among Brazilian workers) seeks to understand the impact of the pandemic on Brazilian workers. This article describes the occupational profile, psychosocial aspects, and work ability determined during the baseline and follow-up measurements of the cohort. METHODS: Workers were invited to participate through media advertisements, social networks, and e-mails. From June to September 2020, 1211 workers were included in the cohort. Follow-up measurements finished on October 2021 with 633 workers. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires using Google Forms. Psychosocial aspects were assessed using the COPSOQ II-Br. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI). RESULTS: At baseline and follow-up, high proportion of workers were in the risk zone with regard to work pace, emotional work demands, influence on work, work-family conflict, burnout, and stress. Approximately 75% of the workers reported good to excellent work ability at baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSION: The occupational profile, psychosocial aspects, and work ability of Brazilian workers from the IMPPAC cohort were described. Psychosocial aspects and WAI were similar at baseline and follow-up.

Association between the level of attention and dual-task costs on postural sway and cognitive yield in children, adolescents, and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Postural stability requires attentional resources. Dual-task paradigms are used to investigate the attentional demand of the studied tasks. However, no studies have been conducted on the subjects' level of attention, analyzing its association with dual-task costs (DTC). RESEARCH QUESTION: To evaluate the attentional level and DTC on postural sway and cognitive yield in children, adolescents, and young adults, investigating age-related differences, and to analyze if the participants' attention level is associated with DTC. METHODS: Postural sway and cognitive-yield of 30 children, 24 adolescents, and 32 young adults were assessed in a dual-task paradigm. We calculated DTC on postural sway and cognitive yield. Attention level was tested using Psychological Battery for Attention Assessment. We tested the association between DTC and attention level. RESULTS: Young adults showed higher DTC on area and velocity of postural sway than children and adolescents. No differences in DTC on cognitive yield were found between the groups. Children showed lower attention levels than adolescents and young adults. Attention level was negatively associated with DTC on cognitive yield in young adults. Focused Attention is responsible for 24.4% of the variance in DTC on cognitive yield. CONCLUSION: Age impacts DTC on postural stability, but not on cognitive performance. The smaller changes in sway found in children/adolescents when dual-tasking, potentially reflect less developed attentional levels and postural control, which make them performing postural tasks closed to their stability boundaries, and, therefore, make them prioritize stability protection more than adults. Similar DTC on cognition between groups may reflect an equalization of the chosen cognitive task at everyone's difficulty level. The lower attention levels of children may reflect an attentional system in development, with prioritization o postural tasks when dual-tasking to maintain stability. Although attention level increases throughout age, attention only predicted DTC on cognition. Better Focused Attention's levels predicted lower DTC on cognitive yield for young adults.

"Comparative intra- and inter-rater reliability of maximal voluntary contraction with unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation and construct validity with Peritron manometer".

AIMS: Evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) assessment by unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation. As a secondary aim, evaluate the construct validity of vaginal palpation and a manometer. METHODS: A total of 120 women were recruited and allocated into three groups according to age (group 1 [G1]: 18-35; G2: 36-59; G3: ≥60 years). Examiner A conducted an interview and examiners B and C performed evaluations of PFM function using both unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation. Seven to 10 days later, examiner B repeated both types of vaginal palpation and measured the MVC pressure with a Peritron. Reliability was analyzed using Cohen's linear weighted Kappa (κw ). The construct validity was calculated using the Spearman's correlation (rs ). RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation was κw = 0.75 and κw = 0.58 in G1, κw = 0.59 and κw = 0.73 in G2, and κw = 0.79 and κw = 0.86 in G3, respectively. Inter-rater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation was κw = 0.52 and κw = 0.48 in G1, κw = 0.47 and κw = 0.52 in G2, and κw = 0.50 and κw = 0.64 in G3, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients were significant at rs = 0.79 and rs = 0.80 for unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Unidigital or bidigital vaginal palpation were indicated to evaluate G1 and G2 but bidigital palpation was more reliable in G3 when two examiners performed the evaluation. For the assessment conducted by one examiner, unidigital palpation was more reliable in G1 while bidigital palpation was more reliable in G2 and G3. Both unidigital and bidigital palpation have high measures of validity.

An Instrumented Workstation to Evaluate Weight-Bearing Distribution in the Sitting Posture.

BACKGROUND: Sitting posture may be related to risk factors, including inadequate weight-bearing support, particularly when maintained for long periods. Considering that body weight is loaded in a closed support system composed of the seat, backrest, floor and working surface, the aims of the present study were to describe the development of an ergonomic sitting workstation to continuously record weight-bearing at the seat, chair, backrest, work surface, and floor and to test its measurement properties: reproducibility, criterion-related validity, and sensitivity. METHODS: Rigid bodies (1 to 30 kg) and participant weights were recorded to evaluate the workstation measurement properties. RESULTS: Rigid body tests showed variation values less than 0.050 kg on reproducibility test and errors below 5% of measured value on criterion validity tests. Participant tests showed no statistically significant differences between repeated measures (p ≥ 0.40), errors were less than 2% of participant weights and sensitivity presented statistically significant changes (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The sitting workstation proposed showed to be reliable, valid and sensitive for use in future ergonomic studies to evaluate the sitting posture.

Different autonomic responses to occupational and leisure time physical activities among blue-collar workers.

PURPOSE: The differential effect of occupational and leisure time physical activity on cardiovascular health is termed the physical activity health paradox. Cardiac autonomic modulation could bring insights about the underlying mechanism behind this differential effect. The aim was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) during different activities (sitting, standing and moving) at work and leisure among blue-collar workers. METHODS: One hundred thirty-eight workers from the NOMAD cohort were included. Data from physical activity and HRV were obtained for 3-4 days using tri-axial accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) and a heart rate monitor (Actiheart). HRV indices were determined during sitting, standing and moving both at work and leisure. Linear mixed-models with two fixed factors (activities and domains) were applied to investigate differences in HRV indices adjusting for individual and occupational factors. RESULTS: The results showed significant effects of domain (p < 0.01), physical activity type (p < 0.01) and interaction between domain and activity type (p < 0.01) on HRV indices. Mean heart rate (IBI) and parasympathetic measures of HRV (RMSSD and HF) were lower for sitting (p < 0.01) and higher for moving (p < 0.01) during work compared with leisure, while no difference between domains was found for standing (p > 0.05). Sympathovagal balance (LF/HF) was higher during work for sitting and moving (p < 0.01), but showed no difference for standing (p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in cardiac autonomic modulation between work and leisure were found, indicating sympathetic predominance during work and parasympathetic predominance during leisure for sitting. Autonomic responses can be part of the mechanism that explains the differential effect of occupational and leisure time physical activity on health.

The effect of peripheral neuropathy on lower limb muscle strength in diabetic individuals.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle strength is poorly described and understood in diabetic participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This study aimed to investigate the extensor and flexor torque of the knee and ankle during concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions in men with diabetes mellitus type 2 with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Three groups of adult men (n=92), similar in age, body mass index, and testosterone levels, were analyzed: 33 non-diabetic controls, 31 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 28 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The peak torques in the concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer during knee and ankle flexion and extension. FINDINGS: Individuals with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy presented similar low concentric and isometric knee and ankle torques that were also lower than the controls. However, the eccentric torque was similar among the groups, the contractions, and the joints. INTERPRETATION: Regardless of the presence of peripheral neuropathy, differences in skeletal muscle function were found. The muscle involvement does not follow the same pattern of sensorial losses, since there are no distal-to-proximal impairments. Both knee and ankle were affected, but the effect sizes of the concentric and isometric torques were found to be greater in the participants' knees than in their ankles. The eccentric function did not reveal differences between the healthy control group and the two diabetic groups, raising questions about the involvement of the passive muscle components.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in hospital nurse technicians and licensed practical nurses: associations with demographic factors

Objective : This cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing: 1. the main musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) presented by hospital nursing workers and; 2. personal, occupational, and health factors related to MSS among them. Method : Two questionnaires were filled in by 245 nurse technicians (NTs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) (response rate 95%) associated with direct patient care sectors from a hospital. These questionnaires were: the standardized version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and one including questions on 15 demographic independent variables potentially related to outcomes from the NMQ. Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify which variables would explain the occurrence of MSS in different body regions. Results: The low back (57%), shoulder (52%), and neck (48%) were identified as the most affected regions. The logistic regression analysis showed that low back symptoms in the last 12 months were significantly associated with LPN activities (OR=2.36; CI=1.24-4.5) and previous sick leave due to MSS (OR=5.97; CI=1.2-29.1). Smoking was significantly associated with symptoms in the low back (OR=2.77; CI=1.13-6.8) and thoracic spine (OR=2.37; CI=1.04-5.40). Physical exercise showed a protective effect on the cervical spine (OR=0.42; CI=0.23-0.77). Previous sick leave was significantly associated with pain in the knees (OR=4.24; CI=1.33-13.5) and in the upper limbs (OR=5.36; CI=1.07-26.7). Conclusions: The nursing workers who were evaluated presented a high prevalence of MSS. Previous history of sick leave was strongly associated with the presence of symptoms in various body regions. These results indicate the need for preventive programs in the hospital environment in order to control more severe MSS in nursing professionals. .

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in hospital nurse technicians and licensed practical nurses: associations with demographic factors.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing: 1. the main musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) presented by hospital nursing workers and; 2. personal, occupational, and health factors related to MSS among them. METHOD: Two questionnaires were filled in by 245 nurse technicians (NTs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) (response rate 95%) associated with direct patient care sectors from a hospital. These questionnaires were: the standardized version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and one including questions on 15 demographic independent variables potentially related to outcomes from the NMQ. Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify which variables would explain the occurrence of MSS in different body regions. RESULTS: The low back (57%), shoulder (52%), and neck (48%) were identified as the most affected regions. The logistic regression analysis showed that low back symptoms in the last 12 months were significantly associated with LPN activities (OR=2.36; CI=1.24-4.5) and previous sick leave due to MSS (OR=5.97; CI=1.2-29.1). Smoking was significantly associated with symptoms in the low back (OR=2.77; CI=1.13-6.8) and thoracic spine (OR=2.37; CI=1.04-5.40). Physical exercise showed a protective effect on the cervical spine (OR=0.42; CI=0.23-0.77). Previous sick leave was significantly associated with pain in the knees (OR=4.24; CI=1.33-13.5) and in the upper limbs (OR=5.36; CI=1.07-26.7). CONCLUSIONS: The nursing workers who were evaluated presented a high prevalence of MSS. Previous history of sick leave was strongly associated with the presence of symptoms in various body regions. These results indicate the need for preventive programs in the hospital environment in order to control more severe MSS in nursing professionals.

Psychosocial Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among White and Blue-collar Workers at Private and Public Sectors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal and psychosocial perception and compare these conditions regarding the type of job (white or blue-collar) and the type of management model (private or public). METHODS: Forty-seven public white-collar (PuWC), 84 private white-collar (PrWC) and 83 blue-collar workers (PrBC) were evaluated. Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) were applied to evaluate psychosocial factors. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms. Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) was measured to evaluate sensory responses. RESULTS: According to JCQ, all groups were classified as active profile. There was a significant association between work engagement and workers' categories (p < 0.05). PrWC workers had the highest scores for all the UWES domains, while PrBC had the lowest ones. PPT showed that PrBC workers had an increased sensitivity for left deltoid (p < 0.01), and for both epicondyles (p < 0.01), when compared to the other groups. PrWC workers had an increased sensitivity for both epicondyles than PuWC (right p < 0.01; left, p = 0.05). There was no significant association in the report of symptoms across the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed differences in psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms in workers engaged in different types of jobs and work organization. Personal and work-related characteristics, psychosocial factors and PPT responses were different across workers' group. Despite all, there was no significant difference in reported symptoms across the groups, possibly indicating that the physical load is similar among the sectors.

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a percepção musculoesquelética e psicossocial e comparar essas condições em relação ao tipo de trabalho (de escritório ou industrial) e o tipo de modelo de gestão (público ou privado). MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete trabalhadores de escritório em cargos públicos (PuWC), 84 trabalhadores de escritório em cargos privados (PrWC) e 83 trabalhadores industriais de uma empresa privada (PrBC) foram avaliados. O Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) e a Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) foram aplicados para avaliar os fatores psicossociais. O Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares (NMQ) foi usado para avaliar os sintomas musculoesqueléticos. O limiar de dor à pressão (PPT) foi medido para avaliar as respostas sensoriais. RESULTADOS: De acordo com JCQ, todos os grupos foram classificados como perfil ativo. Houve uma associação significativa entre o engajamento de trabalho e categorias de trabalhadores (p < 0,05). Os trabalhadores PrWC tiveram as maiores pontuações para todos os domínios da UWES, enquanto os PrBC tiveram os menores. Os resultados do PPT mostraram que trabalhadores do grupo PrBC apresentaram maior sensibilidade no deltóide esquerdo (p < 0,01) e em ambos os epicôndilos (p < 0,01), quando comparados com os outros grupos. Os PrWC apresentaram maior sensibilidade para ambos os epicôndilos do que PuWC (p < 0,01 na direita; p = 0,05 para esquerda). Não houve associação significativa do relato de sintomas com os grupos (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Existe diferença nos fatores de risco psicossociais e sintomas musculoesqueléticos em trabalhadores envolvidos em tipos de trabalho e sistemas organizacionais diferentes. Apesar disso, não houve associação significativa no relato de sintomas entre os grupos, podendo indicar que a demanda biomecânica é semelhante em todos os setores investigados.

The perceptions of Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) users about including undergraduate students in Family Health Units (Unidades de Saúde da Família).

BACKGROUND: Curriculum guidelines for health professionals in training recommend including health students in different levels of service in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS). Thus, there is a need to investigate the perceptions of SUS users with regard to the students' participation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceptions of SUS users about the participation of health students in Family Health Units (Unidades de Saúde da Família - USF). METHOD: A total of 518 people were interviewed in the waiting room of eight USFs in São Carlos/São Paulo. The interviews were conducted by students using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 391 (75.5%) women and 127 (24.5%) men, with a mean age of 42.0±17.5 years, were interviewed. Among these users, 33.1% had encountered students in the USF, mainly while receiving clinical care (52.1%) or during home visits (20.1%); 55.3% considered the student's performance very good, and 0.6% considered it very bad. Most of the interviewees (58.2%) evaluated the activity performed by the student as effective, whereas 8.2% considered it ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: The students were included primarily in individual assistance activities, and the care provided by the students was well accepted. Both the users' satisfaction scores and their reported expectations were positive.

The perceptions of Unified Health System (Sistema Asnico de Saude) users about including undergraduate students in Family Health Units (Unidades de Saude da Familia) / Percepcao dos usuarios do Sistema Unico de Saude sobre a insercao discente nas Unidades de Saude da Familia

BACKGROUND: Curriculum guidelines for health professionals in training recommend including health students in different levels of service in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS). Thus, there is a need to investigate the perceptions of SUS users with regard to the students' participation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceptions of SUS users about the participation of health students in Family Health Units (Unidades de Saúde da Família - USF). METHOD: A total of 518 people were interviewed in the waiting room of eight USFs in São Carlos/São Paulo. The interviews were conducted by students using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 391 (75.5%) women and 127 (24.5%) men, with a mean age of 42.0±17.5 years, were interviewed. Among these users, 33.1% had encountered students in the USF, mainly while receiving clinical care (52.1%) or during home visits (20.1%); 55.3% considered the student's performance very good, and 0.6% considered it very bad. Most of the interviewees (58.2%) evaluated the activity performed by the student as effective, whereas 8.2% considered it ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: The students were included primarily in individual assistance activities, and the care provided by the students was well accepted. Both the users' satisfaction scores and their reported expectations were positive. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: As diretrizes curriculares preconizam a inserção dos alunos das áreas de saúde nos diferentes níveis assistenciais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), surgindo a necessidade de se investigar a percepção dos usuários do SUS a respeito da atuação discente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção dos usuários do SUS sobre a inserção e atuação de estudantes dos cursos da área de saúde nas Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF). MÉTODO: Foram entrevistadas 518 pessoas em sala de espera de oito USF do município de São Carlos/São Paulo. As entrevistas foram realizadas pelos estudantes por meio de questionário semiestruturado. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistadas 391 (75,5%) mulheres e 127 (24,5%) homens, com média de idade de 42,0 ± 17,5 anos. Entre os usuários, 33,1% haviam realizado alguma atividade com alunos nas USF, principalmente atendimento clínico (52,1%) e visita domiciliar (20,1%); 55,3% consideraram a atividade como muito boa e 0,6%, como péssima. A maioria (58,2%) avaliou a atividade realizada pelo aluno como resolutiva e 8,2%, como não resolutiva. CONCLUSÃO: A inserção discente se deu, prioritariamente, na forma de atividades assistenciais individuais, e houve boa aceitação do atendimento realizado pelos alunos, já que tanto a satisfação quanto as expectativas relatadas foram positivas. .

Wrist electrogoniometry: are current mathematical correction procedures effective in reducing crosstalk in functional assessment?

BACKGROUND: The recording of human movement is an essential requirement for biomechanical, clinical, and occupational analysis, allowing assessment of postural variation, occupational risks, and preventive programs in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer (EGM), considered a reliable and accurate device, is used for dynamic recordings of different joints. Despite these advantages, the EGM is susceptible to measurement errors, known as crosstalk. There are two known types of crosstalk: crosstalk due to sensor rotation and inherent crosstalk. Correction procedures have been proposed to correct these errors; however no study has used both procedures in clinical measures for wrist movements with the aim to optimize the correction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of mathematical correction procedures on: 1) crosstalk due to forearm rotation, 2) inherent sensor crosstalk; and 3) the combination of these two procedures. METHOD: 43 healthy subjects had their maximum range of motion of wrist flexion/extension and ulnar/radials deviation recorded by EGM. The results were analyzed descriptively, and procedures were compared by differences. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in measurements before and after the application of correction procedures (P<0.05). Furthermore, the differences between the correction procedures were less than 5° in most cases, having little impact on the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the time-consuming data analysis, the specific technical knowledge involved, and the inefficient results, the correction procedures are not recommended for wrist recordings by EGM.

Wrist electrogoniometry: are current mathematical correction procedures effective in reducing crosstalk in functional assessment? / Eletrogoniometria de punho: procedimentos matemáticos usuais de correção são eficazes para reduzir crosstalk em avaliação funcional?

BACKGROUND: The recording of human movement is an essential requirement for biomechanical, clinical, and occupational analysis, allowing assessment of postural variation, occupational risks, and preventive programs in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer (EGM), considered a reliable and accurate device, is used for dynamic recordings of different joints. Despite these advantages, the EGM is susceptible to measurement errors, known as crosstalk. There are two known types of crosstalk: crosstalk due to sensor rotation and inherent crosstalk. Correction procedures have been proposed to correct these errors; however no study has used both procedures in clinical measures for wrist movements with the aim to optimize the correction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of mathematical correction procedures on: 1) crosstalk due to forearm rotation, 2) inherent sensor crosstalk; and 3) the combination of these two procedures. METHOD: 43 healthy subjects had their maximum range of motion of wrist flexion/extension and ulnar/radials deviation recorded by EGM. The results were analyzed descriptively, and procedures were compared by differences. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in measurements before and after the application of correction procedures (P<0.05). Furthermore, the differences between the correction procedures were less than 5° in most cases, having little impact on the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the time-consuming data analysis, the specific technical knowledge involved, and the inefficient results, the correction procedures are not recommended for wrist recordings by EGM.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O registro do movimento humano é requisito fundamental para análises biomecânicas, clínicas e ocupacionais, permitindo avaliar variações posturais, riscos e aprimoramento de programas preventivos e de reabilitação em Fisioterapia. O eletrogoniômetro flexível (EGM), considerado um equipamento confiável e acurado, é utilizado para o registro dinâmico de diferentes articulações. Apesar das vantagens, o EGM é suscetível de erros de medida, denominados crosstalk. Atualmente, são conhecidos dois tipos de crosstalk, o crosstalk devido à rotação do sensor e o crosstalk inerente. Procedimentos de correção foram propostos para a correção desses erros, no entanto nenhum estudo utilizou ambos os procedimentos em medidas clínicas dos movimentos do punho, visando otimizar a correção. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de procedimentos matemáticos atualmente empregados para correção do: 1) crosstalk devido à rotação do antebraço; 2) crosstalk inerente aos sensores e 3) combinação desses dois procedimentos. MÉTODO: Quarenta e três indivíduos saudáveis tiveram as amplitudes máximas dos movimentos de flexão/extensão e desvios ulnar/radial do punho registrados pelos EGM. Os resultados foram analisados de forma descritiva, e os procedimentos foram comparados por diferenças. RESULTADOS: Não houve alteração significativa nas medidas após a aplicação dos procedimentos de correção (P<0,05). Além disso, as diferenças entre os procedimentos de correção foram inferiores a 5° para a maioria dos casos, indicando pouco impacto sobre as medidas. CONCLUSÕES: Considerando o tempo de processamento, o conhecimento técnico específico exigido e os ineficazes resultados obtidos, desaconselha-se a aplicação desses procedimentos na correção de registros eletrogoniométricos do punho.

Effects of an educational back care program on Brazilian schoolchildren's knowledge regarding back pain prevention.

BACKGROUND: Children are often exposed to ergonomic risk factors at school. Thus, the school is a potential environment for developing musculoskeletal disorders and implementing back care programs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an educational program on schoolchildren's knowledge regarding back pain prevention. METHODS: 392 students from 4th to 8th grade from a Brazilian state school took part in the study; 114 students (30%) were evaluated at follow-up. The back care program included pre- and post-intervention assessments and a follow-up assessment, as well as theoretical and practical lessons. The time interval between the pre- and post-intervention assessments was 9 weeks, and between the post-intervention and follow-up assessments, it was 2 years. Statistical analysis included non-parametric ANOVA tests. Significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant increase (p<0.001) between pre- (3.6±2.9) and postintervention (7.5±2.2) scores and a significant decrease in the follow-up score (5.1±2.5). However, the follow-up score was still significantly higher (p<0.001) than the pre-intervention score. The rate of correct answers in the post-intervention assessment increased for all questions, and some of them were still high at follow-up. Significant differences were identified for the comparison between grades, with the 8th grade being significantly different from the other grades. CONCLUSION: The back care program showed an increase in the level of knowledge of Brazilian schoolchildren. Two years after the intervention, students still retained ergonomic concepts. Although the program has limitations, theoretical knowledge acquisition is the first step towards adopting healthy postural habits to prevent back pain.

Effects of an educational back care program on Brazilian schoolchildren's knowledge regarding back pain prevention / Efeitos de um programa educacional de cuidados com a coluna sobre o nível de conhecimento de escolares brasileiros quanto à prevenção de dor na coluna vertebral

BACKGROUND: Children are often exposed to ergonomic risk factors at school. Thus, the school is a potential environment for developing musculoskeletal disorders and implementing back care programs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an educational program on schoolchildren's knowledge regarding back pain prevention. METHODS: 392 students from 4th to 8th grade from a Brazilian state school took part in the study; 114 students (30%) were evaluated at follow-up. The back care program included pre- and post-intervention assessments and a follow-up assessment, as well as theoretical and practical lessons. The time interval between the pre- and post-intervention assessments was 9 weeks, and between the post-intervention and follow-up assessments, it was 2 years. Statistical analysis included non-parametric ANOVA tests. Significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant increase (p<0.001) between pre- (3.6±2.9) and postintervention (7.5±2.2) scores and a significant decrease in the follow-up score (5.1±2.5). However, the follow-up score was still significantly higher (p<0.001) than the pre-intervention score. The rate of correct answers in the post-intervention assessment increased for all questions, and some of them were still high at follow-up. Significant differences were identified for the comparison between grades, with the 8th grade being significantly different from the other grades. CONCLUSION: The back care program showed an increase in the level of knowledge of Brazilian schoolchildren. Two years after the intervention, students still retained ergonomic concepts. Although the program has limitations, theoretical knowledge acquisition is the first step towards adopting healthy postural habits to prevent back pain.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: As crianças estão expostas a um conjunto de fatores de risco ergonômicos na fase escolar. Tais fatores tornam a escola um ambiente propício ao desenvolvimento de alterações musculoesqueléticas, assim como para a implementação de programas de cuidados com a coluna vertebral. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa educacional de cuidados com a coluna sobre o nível de conhecimento de escolares brasileiros quanto à prevenção de dor na coluna vertebral. MÉTODOS: Trezentos e noventa e dois estudantes da 4ª à 8ª série de uma escola estadual participaram do estudo, sendo que 114 deles (30%) foram avaliados no follow up. O programa foi composto por avaliações pré, pós-intervenção e follow up, por aulas teóricas e práticas. O intervalo entre as avaliações pré e pós-intervenção foi de nove semanas e, entre a avaliação pré e o follow up, foi de dois anos. A análise estatística incluiu ANOVA não-paramétrica e o nível de significância foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa no nível de conhecimento (pfollow up (5,1±2,5), sendo que a pontuação no follow up foi significativamente superior à do pré-teste. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as séries, sendo que a 8ª série atingiu pontuação maior que as demais (p CONCLUSÃO: O programa preventivo proporcionou aumento no nível de conhecimento dos estudantes, mesmo após dois anos de sua implementação. Embora o programa tenha limitações, a aquisição de conhecimento é o primeiro passo para a adoção de hábitos posturais saudáveis para a prevenção de dores na coluna vertebral.