Perception of musculoskeletal pain in the state of confinement: associated factors.
Carlos Carpintero-Rubio, Bárbara Torres-Chica, María Alexandra Guadrón-Romero and 2 others
PMID 34190945WHAT IT FOUND
During Spain's early lockdown, more adults reported musculoskeletal pain, especially women and people over 65, and pain was linked to more sitting, screen time, and restlessness, tension, or poor sleep.
Key findings
01During confinement, 69.4% of respondents reported constant or significant musculoskeletal pain, compared with 47.2% before confinement.
02Spine pain was the most common location, reported by 51.2% of those with pain before confinement and 49.5% during.
03During confinement, 88.0% of respondents reported regular psychosocial symptoms, including restlessness, tiredness, concentration problems, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep problems.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a cross-sectional online survey, so it cannot prove that confinement caused pain or that screen time, sitting, or psychosocial symptoms caused pain. Responses were self-reported and collected through social networks, professional associations, and a health app, so people with internet access and interest in the topic may have been over-represented. The sample was mainly women (71.6%) and Spanish (97.9%), so results may not apply to men, other nationalities, or people without internet access. The questionnaire was ad hoc and not a validated standard pain instrument, although it was piloted. Before and during confinement were compared using responses collected in one survey, not measured at two separate times.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that lockdown caused musculoskeletal pain or that reducing screen time will relieve it. It is a cross-sectional online survey with self-reported associations, not a test of any treatment.