Depressive Symptoms Associated With Musculoskeletal Pain in Inactive Adults During COVID-19 Quarantine.
Diego G D Christofaro, William R Tebar, Gabriela C R da Silva and 7 others
PMID 34474996WHAT IT FOUND
During quarantine, physically inactive adults with depressive symptoms were more likely to report pain in multiple body regions, especially shoulders and knees.
Pain clusters in inactive patients may be associated with low mood.
Key findings
01Among physically inactive participants, pain in six of nine body regions was associated with having depressive symptoms, with shoulders and knees showing the highest risk.
02Physically inactive participants with depressive symptoms were more likely to have pain in one or two regions of the body and in three or more regions.
03Among physically active participants with depressive symptoms, no association was observed between depressive symptoms and pain.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot tell whether depressive symptoms came before pain, whether pain came first, or whether quarantine caused either. Depressive symptoms were assessed by a single self-reported question. Physical activity was self-reported and not measured objectively. Participants were recruited through social media and had to answer all questions, so the sample may not represent all adults.
Declared interests
The authors declared no competing interests.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that physical activity prevents or improves pain and depressive symptoms. This was a cross-sectional self-report survey, so it shows association at one point in time and cannot show cause.