Leisure Time Physical Activity Level and Musculoskeletal Pain Perception of Primary School Teachers

Authors : Birön Onur Üğüt, Merve Kurt Aydın, Aybüke Cansu Kalkan, Zuhal Abasıyanık
Pages : 255-260
Doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1671716
View : 51 | Download : 41
Publication Date : 2025-06-14
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: Work-related musculoskeletal problems, particularly myofascial pain, are common among teachers, with prevalence rates ranging from 39% to 95%. This study aims to examine the relationship between leisure time physical activity and musculoskeletal pain in primary school teachers, taking into account the confounding effects of workload during working hours and sedentary behavior. Material and Methods: The study included 38 primary school teachers with a mean age of 43.58±9.12 years. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, weight, height, experience, standing hours, daily TV and phone use) were recorded; sedentary behavior was calculated by summing TV and phone use, workload by multiplying working days and daily hours. Pain was assessed with the modified Numeric Rating Scale, and physical activity with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Results: Pain intensity showed a weak correlation with total leisure-time physical activity (rho:-0.337, p:0.039) and vigorous activity (rho:-0.341, p:0.036); after adjusting for workload and sedentary behavior, these correlations slightly strengthened (total activity rho:-0.377, p:0.024; vigorous activity rho:-0.360, p:0.031). Similarly, pain-related distress also showed a weak correlation with total (rho:-0.352, p:0.035) and vigorous physical activity (rho:-0.360, p:0.031) after adjustment. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a relationship between physical activity levels and pain perception in primary school teachers. Physical activity is thought to have a potential protective role against pain. The current study supports the need for interventions aimed at reducing pain in sedentary professions, including primary school teachers.
Keywords : Miyofasiyal ağrı, fiziksel aktivite, sedanter davranış, iş yükü

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