Are lumbar traction strength and sit and reach flexibility associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain in two years in university staff?

Abstract Background: Increase of musculoskeletal disorders is related to an economic burden; also elevate time spend in sedentary behavior can lead to a decrease in physical fitness and consequently an incidence in musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate if low lumbar traction strength and flexibility could predict musculoskeletal pain in university staff in two years. Methods: This is a longitudinal study with 2-year follow-up. Fifty-three university staff members participated in this longitudinal study: age = 38±8 years, height = 171±10 cm, body mass = 75±14 kg, and body mass index = 26±4 m/kg2. The participants performed the lumbar traction and the sit and reach tests, and completed the Corlett and Bishop body map and musculoskeletal pain questionnaire at baseline and two years later. Results: There was a 4% increase in pain prevalence on year 2, but 62% of the participants remained in the same pain classification. Men presented 11% decrease in lumbar traction strength, whereas women presented 21% decrease in strength. Flexibility level at baseline was not associated with developing pain. However, individuals in the lower 75th lumbar traction strength percentile at baseline had 3.2 higher odds of reporting musculoskeletal pain two years later than those in the higher 25th strength percentile. Conclusion: University staff presented decreases in lumbar traction strength and flexibility over a two year period. Weaker individuals at baseline were more likely to report musculoskeletal pain two years later than those who were stronger. Flexibility levels were not associated with developing pain.