Association between Consumed Foods and Musculoskeletal Disorder in Office Workers

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is one of the important problems concerning the staffs' health and productivity in the workplace. Nutritional status and consumption of some foods are also among the determining factors of MSD. So, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation of diet and consumed food groups with MSD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 office workers. The participants' anthropometric parameters and their dietary information were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The findings were categorized into nine levels. The total scores were calculated for all the items per food group and per person. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was also administered to evaluate the MSD symptoms in nine parts of body.

Results: The score of consumed food groups was compared between individuals “with pain” and “without pain” in nine parts of the body. The scores of fruit intake in individuals “with pain” and “without pain” were 2.94 ± 1.27 vs. 3.29 ± 1.16 and 2.81 ± 1.10 vs. 3.49 ± 1.38 in terms of neck and wrists, respectively. The difference between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the participants with pain in the neck consumed significantly lower amounts of cereals and nuts (P = 0.03, 0.04). In the case of the shoulder pain, consuming legumes and nuts in the “without pain” group was higher than the group of participants who had pain (P = 0.01, P = 0.03). Fat intake was higher in the patients who had pain in their hips (P = 0.02).

Conclusion: Less pain was reported in the musculoskeletal system by higher consumption of fruits, nuts, and legumes. It seems that plant-based dietary pattern is more effective in musculoskeletal health.