Title
The effect of physical activity in leisure time on neck and upper limb symptoms
Author
van den Heuvel, S.G.
Heinrich, J.
Jans, M.P.
van der Beek, A.J.
Bongers, P.M.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2005
Abstract
Background. Little is known of the preventive effects of physical activity in leisure time on neck and upper limb symptoms. Methods. A cohort of 1742 employees was selected from a prospective cohort study with a follow-up period of 3 years. Independent variables were sporting activities and physically active commuting. Outcome measures were neck/shoulder symptoms and elbow/wrist/hand symptoms as well as sickness absence due to these symptoms. To analyze the data, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was used, with adjustment for individual characteristics, such as age, gender, lifestyle, and the outcome at baseline. Results. Practicing sports for at least 10 months a year decreased the risk of neck/shoulder symptoms (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.67-0.99), sickness absence (OR: 0.48; CI: 0.28-0.84), and long-term sickness absence (OR: 0.37; CI: 0.17-0.84) due to neck or upper limb symptoms. A high mean intensity (≥3 h per week) of sporting activities had less effect than the continuation of these activities throughout the year. Conclusion. Sustained sporting activities have a favorable effect on neck/shoulder symptoms and on sickness absence due to neck or upper limb symptoms. An effect of physically active commuting could not be demonstrated, although there was a tendency towards a favorable effect on sickness absence. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Subject
Workplace
Veilig en Gezond Werken
Cohort study
Commuting
GEE model
Sports
Absenteeism
Adult
Cohort analysis
Controlled study
Demography
Leisure
Major clinical study
Neck injury
Outcomes research
Physical activity
Shoulder hand syndrome
Age Distribution
Cohort Studies
Confidence Intervals
Exercise
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Leisure Activities
Male
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Neck
Odds Ratio
Pain
Pain Measurement
Physical Fitness
Probability
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Sex Distribution
Sickness Impact Profile
Time Factors
Upper Extremity
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:08974143-5b66-41c9-bb96-6e2ac8cb6749
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.11.006
TNO identifier
238585
ISSN
0091-7435
Source
Preventive Medicine, 41 (1), 260-267
Document type
article