Musculoskeletal Care最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge of Italian Physiotherapists on Cognitive Testing of Musculoskeletal Disorders.","authors":"Marcello Peruzzi, Marco Bravi, Luca Turone, Giovanni Galeoto, Filippo Maselli, Elisa Burani","doi":"10.1002/msc.70192","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Neurocognitive tests and treatments are increasingly recognised as relevant in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. However, their integration into clinical physiotherapy remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and clinical use of neurocognitive tests and treatments for musculoskeletal disorders among Italian physiotherapists.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July 2024 and February 2025 according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. The 23-item questionnaire explored demographic data, knowledge, clinical use, and treatment practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 383 responses were analysed. Physiotherapists with a first-level Master's degree or Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist (OMPT) qualification demonstrated significantly greater knowledge and use of neurocognitive tools (p < 0.01). Younger physiotherapists (aged 21-30) and those working in direct access settings reported higher use and perceived usefulness of cognitive testing, particularly in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, Lateral Ankle Sprain (LAS) and Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) cases. Female physiotherapists were more likely to recognise the value of neurocognitive assessments and interventions. Despite this, 75% of respondents found it difficult to select appropriate tools or cognitive domains to assess. More than 50% reported not using neurocognitive tests in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries and Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) management; among those who use them modified Stars Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and neurocognitive hop test are the most cited tools.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite the growing interest, neurocognitive assessment remains underutilised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Italy. Specialised education (e.g., OMPT training), younger age, and direct access work settings are associated with greater adoption. Further integration into bachelor's degree education and clearer clinical guidelines are needed to improve both assessment and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146259569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postural Disorders and Musculoskeletal Problems Among Baskent University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ozlem Kuculmez, Sevgi Ikbali Afsar, Omer Kocabay, Elif Kocabay, Mehmet Unal, Idil Balik, Eda Nursel Pelitli, Bilge Hilal Benli, Mehmet Oguzhan Dikmenoglu, Duygu Kocak","doi":"10.1002/msc.70196","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70196","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aims to determine postural disorders in medical school students and the effects of postural disorders on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p &lt; 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p &gt; 0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This was a cross-sectional study. Baskent University Medical Faculty students who agreed to participate by signing the voluntary consent form were included in the study. The participants were evaluated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Scale-2, Short Form-36, and New York Posture Analysis Scale. The data of students at different grade levels were statistically compared, and p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p &lt; 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p &gt; 0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 274 students (186 females, 88 males; mean age 21.30 ± 2.10 years; BMI 22.87 ± 3.95 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) were analysed. The mean physical activity level was 2361.25 ± 274.55 METs. Second-year students surprisingly had significantly lower physical activity levels (p &lt; 0.05). Although students demonstrated 'very good' posture on the New York Posture Analysis, according to the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, second-year students had a moderate risk, whereas students in other academic years showed a high risk. When grouped by musculoskeletal risk (moderate, high, or very high), no significant differences were found in posture (p = 0.344), BMI (p = 0.175), or physical activity (p = 0.197). However, SF-36 vitality scores were higher in the moderate-risk group compared with the high-risk (p = 0.032) and very high-risk groups (p = 0.043). Poorer posture (β = -0.28, p &lt; 0.01) and lower physical activity (β = -0.19, p = 0.03) independently predicted greater musculoskeletal discomfort, whereas BMI was not significant (p &gt; 0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Medical students showed a moderate to high risk of musculoskeletal discomfort despite generally good posture across all aca","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147370440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Screening and Referral Practices for Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Private Physiotherapy Practices for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Ana Catarina Navarro Ramalho, Tine Van Damme, Monica Lambrechts, Ana Isabel Correia Ferreira Vieira, Ryan L McGrath, Davy Vancampfort","doi":"10.1002/msc.70213","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic musculoskeletal pain often co-occurs with psychological comorbidities such as anxiety and depression; however, little is known about the screening and management practices of physiotherapists in private physiotherapy services. Gaining insight into how physiotherapists navigate the complexities of mental health screening, management, and referral is critical, as the effective integration of these practices has the potential to substantially improve patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study explores the facilitators and barriers influencing physiotherapists' adoption of screening and referral practices for symptoms of anxiety and depression supporting a more biopsychosocial approach to physiotherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 Belgian physiotherapists working in private settings and analysed using framework analysis to identify themes capturing their approaches to recognising, screening, managing, and referring patients with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten interrelated themes were identified. Physiotherapists relied predominantly on informal, intuitive screening rather than structured validated tools. Barriers encompassed limited formal training, unclear professional boundaries, and systemic challenges such as time constraints and inconsistent referral pathways. Key facilitators included intrinsic motivation to provide biopsychosocial care, strong therapeutic alliances, and clinical intuition. Many physiotherapists reported emotional burden when managing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms without adequate support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physiotherapists acknowledge the importance of addressing co-occurring anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in chronic musculoskeletal pain management but face personal, patient-related and systemic barriers. Enhancing training, embedding validated screening tools, and improving interprofessional collaboration are critical for advancing mental health practices within private physiotherapy settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combining Mechanical Support With Sensory Augmentation in Orthotic Devices for Postural Stability in Lateral Ankle Instability: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"Mahmood Bahramizadeh, Hanieh Khaliliyan, Majid Ansari, Farhad Ghaffari, Morteza Faghih Jouibari, Mojtaba Kamyab, Arash Sharafatvaziri, Amir Reza Vosoughi","doi":"10.1002/msc.70193","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lateral ankle instability (LAI) frequently arises from deficits in sensorimotor function. Orthotic devices are regularly used to yield mechanical support, but the use of sensory-enriching modalities such as local vibration with these supports has not been explored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study was conducted to examine the effect of adding vibration to an orthotic device on postural stability in LAI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this parallel randomised controlled trial, 32 adults with LAI were entered into a trial group who received an ankle-foot orthotic device incorporating a vibratory strap or into a control group receiving the same orthosis without a vibration strap. Postural stability was evaluated with centre of pressure (COP) velocity on a force plate at four time points: baseline, immediately following intervention, 2-week follow-up, and 4-week follow-up. Finally, 29 participants completed the study protocol.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a significant group × time interaction on COP anteroposterior velocity (F (3, 25) = 39.44, p < 0.001, η² = 0.82). The trial arm had a greater decrease in this outcome at 4-week follow-up compared with controls (MD = -0.90 mm/s, p < 0.001, d = -1.59). No differences were found for COP mediolateral velocity or COP resultant velocity, but there was a general trend of reduction in both groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The addition of sensory stimulation to orthotic devices significantly enhances anteroposterior postural stability in LAI subjects, suggesting a synergistic effect of mechanical support and sensory augmentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146197986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patients With Culturally Diverse Backgrounds and Their Experiences With an Interpretation Intervention Combining Video Interpretation, Extended Consultation Time, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in a Medical Spine Clinic: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Ann-Louise Larsen, Janni Tran, Knud Ryom, Stine Aalkjær Clausen, Anne Mette Schmidt","doi":"10.1002/msc.70199","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Back pain is caused and driven by a complex interplay of multiple factors, including cultural background. In healthcare, patients from culturally diverse backgrounds may face barriers such as language difficulties and a lack of cultural sensitivity, which can exacerbate health disparities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>How do patients with culturally diverse backgrounds and back pain experience an interpretation intervention combining video interpretation, extended consultation time, and interdisciplinary collaboration?</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study was conducted at a Danish medical spine clinic. Participant observation and previous research informed the semi-structured interview guide. Individual interviews were conducted with seven patients from culturally diverse backgrounds (four women, aged 30-62 years, representing three different countries) with interpreter support. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic network analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients reported that video interpretation facilitated communication and respected cultural values and assumptions, with some women highlighting the importance of interpreter gender choice. The extended consultation time provided a clear structure, reinforced communication, enhanced disease-related knowledge, and supported patients' expectations. Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration further strengthened communication and disease-related knowledge, aligned care with patients' expectations, and contributed to a coherent structure, while emphasising the need to balance structured consultations with opportunities for patient expression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides novel insights into how organisational adaptations support culturally responsive, person-centred management. Integrating video interpretation, extended consultation, and interdisciplinary collaboration promotes equitable care, enhances patient engagement, and highlights the value of organisational health literacy. Future improvements include involving patients in choice of interpreter and ensuring space for patient expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70199"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12953199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147345193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscles and Musculoskeletal Conditions in the First 2 Years Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Eloise Simpson, Madeline Hannington, Kari Bø, Andrew Hahne","doi":"10.1002/msc.70209","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore associations between the presence and severity of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) and common postpartum musculoskeletal complaints in the first 2 years postpartum.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey among women within 2 years of childbirth.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>DRAM commonly affects women during pregnancy and postpartum, but its relationship with musculoskeletal complaints remains unclear. This study investigates the association between DRAM and postpartum musculoskeletal complaints, including low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, abdominal pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Methods and measures: </strong>Participants were identified from medical records of women who had delivered a baby in the previous 2 years at Southwest Healthcare, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. An electronic questionnaire collected data on DRAM presence and severity (self-reported based on self-assessment or prior healthcare professional screening), musculoskeletal complaints, and pelvic floor dysfunction both currently (within the past week) and early postpartum (within the first 3 months). Statistical univariate and multivariate regression analyses explored associations between DRAM presence or severity and reported symptoms adjusted for age, parity, delivery method and time since last delivery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 177 respondents (from 785 survey invitations), 38% (n = 70) reported DRAM. In multivariate analysis, DRAM presence was significantly associated with current (p = 0.034) and early postpartum (p = 0.037) abdominal discomfort, and urinary urgency symptoms early postpartum (p = 0.033). No significant associations were found between DRAM and low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, or stress urinary incontinence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DRAM was weakly associated with abdominal discomfort and urinary urgency symptoms but not with other musculoskeletal complaints. These findings align with limited previous research on this topic. More data are needed to explore the association between DRAM severity and musculoskeletal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13008823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Why We Still Get Back Pain Wrong: Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Low Back Pain Among Austrian Physiotherapists and Healthcare Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Jean-Pascal Grenier, Alexander Thiel, Barbara Scheiber","doi":"10.1002/msc.70195","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare practitioners' beliefs and attitudes towards low back pain (LBP) influence patients' beliefs, pain experience, and treatment outcomes. This study examined beliefs, attitudes, and conceptual understanding of LBP among practicing physiotherapists (PTs) in Austria and compared them with first-semester healthcare students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and November 2025. Beliefs about LBP were assessed using the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ; range 14-70, higher scores indicate more positive beliefs) and the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS; range 15-105, higher scores indicate stronger pain-disability beliefs). Participants included practicing Austrian PTs and first-semester students enrolled in healthcare-related programs at two universities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 517 participants completed the survey (391 PTs, 99 students; 27 others excluded). PTs demonstrated significantly more positive beliefs than students, with higher BBQ scores (34.5 ± 5.9 vs. 28.7 ± 5.4; p < 0.001) and lower HC-PAIRS scores (54.9 ± 12.9 vs. 65.5 ± 10.8; p < 0.001). These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, education, and professional experience. Despite this, both groups predominantly held negative, pain-implies-disability-oriented beliefs about LBP. Notably, greater professional experience among PTs was associated with more negative, disability-oriented and biomedical pain beliefs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although PTs held more positive beliefs about LBP than students, increasing professional experience was paradoxically linked to more negative pain-disability beliefs. These findings underscore the need for improved, longitudinal educational strategies that reinforce contemporary, evidence-based perspectives on LBP throughout clinical careers.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>We registered our study at https://osf.io/kr7ag.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147318459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonographic Assessment of Geniohyoid Muscle Morphometry and Elasticity in Older Adults: Associations With Sarcopenia Risk and Swallowing Dysfunction.","authors":"Şule Erdem, Ulku Kezban Sahin","doi":"10.1002/msc.70194","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present study aimed to investigate the associations between ultrasonographic measurements of the geniohyoid muscle and clinical screening indicators of sarcopenia, dysphagia, and physical performance in older adults. This study provides the first known sono-elastographic evaluation of the geniohyoid muscle in relation to sarcopenia and swallowing dysfunction in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty independently living individuals aged ≥ 65 years were included. Sarcopenia and dysphagia risk were assessed using the SARC-F and EAT-10 questionnaires, respectively. Physical performance was evaluated with the five times sit-to-stand test (5-STS). Ultrasonographic assessments of the geniohyoid muscle were performed using a high frequency linear transducer. Cross sectional area (CSA), perimeter and elasticity of the geniohyoid muscle were measured on B-mode images.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CSA and perimeter were negatively correlated with SARC-F and EAT-10 scores (p < 0.05). In addition, 5-STS showed a significant negative correlation with CSA (p < 0.05). Female participants had significantly lower CSA and perimeter and higher sarcopenia and dysphagia risk scores (p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations were found between geniohyoid muscle elasticity and the clinical parameters (p > 0.05). Intraobserver reliability for elasticity was assessed in a subsample (n = 15), yielding an ICC of 0.82.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CSA and the perimeter of the geniohyoid muscle were significantly associated with sarcopenia risk, dysphagia risk, and physical performance scores. Although not statistically associated with clinical screening indicators, geniohyoid muscle elasticity was successfully measured using strain elastography, demonstrating good intraobserver reliability. Ultrasonography appears to be a practical and reproducible tool for evaluating geniohyoid muscle structure in older adults, although further validation is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146229057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Smartphone and Hand Anthropometry on Upper Extremity Pain and Functions: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Feyza Altındal Karabulut, Nazire Nur Yıldız, Nihal Büker","doi":"10.1002/msc.70188","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.70188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Frequent smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal complaints in the upper extremity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigated the effects of smartphone use and hand anthropometry on upper extremity pain and function in a university population.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 435 students and staff aged 17-63 years. Hand anthropometric measurements and grip strength (gross and pinch) were recorded. Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF), QuickDASH, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess smartphone addiction, upper extremity function, and pain.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Weak to moderate negative correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between hand length, palm length, hand width, and maximum hand span with upper extremity pain and function. Grip strength was negatively correlated with pain levels (p < 0.005). Phone size was not associated with upper extremity symptoms or addiction. Hand length and phone key usage style were significantly associated with upper extremity function.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Hand anthropometry and grip-related factors were associated with upper extremity symptoms and function, whereas smartphone size was not a significant factor.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06373315.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the Link Between Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Taxi Drivers: A Comparison of Accelerometry and Self-Report Measures.","authors":"Marta Marín-Berges, Pablo A Lizana, Isabel Iguacel, Marcos Echevarría-Polo, Valentina Marroquín-Pinochet, Constanza Rivas-Sanhueza, German Vicente-Rodríguez, Alejandro Gómez-Bruton","doi":"10.1002/msc.70201","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Taxi drivers are at an elevated risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and the reasons for this are prolonged sitting, static postures, and whole-body vibration. Physical activity (PA) may mitigate MSD risk but is often assessed subjectively. This study compared objective (wrist-worn accelerometry) and subjective (IPAQ-S) measures of PA and sedentary behaviours by examining their associations with MSD prevalence in taxi drivers from Spain and Chile.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 170 taxi drivers (mean age 51.9 ± 10.7 years; 87.1% male) completed sociodemographic and Nordic questionnaires on MSDs (7-day recall), and the IPAQ-S for PA. A subsample of 36 wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for seven days to quantify sedentary time and PA amount and intensities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 68.8% of drivers reported pain in at least one body region in the past 7 days, most commonly the neck (36.5%) and lower back (32.9%). IPAQ-S overestimated moderate-to-vigorous PA (145.7 ± 140.2 vs. 42.4 ± 31.2 min/day, p < 0.01) compared with accelerometry, with moderate correlation (r = 0.47). Sedentary time averaged 715.5 ± 146.9 min/day by accelerometry, with negligible correlation to IPAQ-S (r = -0.01). Female drivers had higher odds of neck, upper back, and lower back pain, while higher BMI was associated with knee pain. No significant associations were found between PA levels and MSD prevalence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Taxi drivers exhibit high MSD prevalence, extreme sedentary exposure, and marked overestimation of PA in self-reports. Neither self-reported nor accelerometer-measured physical activity was significantly associated with 7-day MSD prevalence. Targeted interventions should combine ergonomic improvements, active breaks, and accurate monitoring tools to reduce occupational health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12965851/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147370448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}