Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have reported controversial associations between exercise and neck or shoulder pains in adolescents. In this study we evaluated the relationships between physical activity or sedentary activities and neck or occipital pain (NOP) or shoulder pain (SP) in a representative sample of adolescents.
Methods: The study population consisted of adolescents belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n=5993). Associations of physical activity level, total sitting time, and different kinds of sedentary activities with NOP and SP were analyzed at 15–16 years of age using logistic regression. “Reporting NOP and SP” (not seeking medical help) and “Consultation for NOP and SP” were assessed separately in girls, but were combined in boys because of low prevalence of “Consultations”.
Results: Almost half of the girls and one third of the boys reported NOP or SP, and 5% of girls and 2% of boys reported “Consultation for NOP or SP” during the past six months. High level of physical activity associated with increased prevalence of both “Consultation for NOP” and “Consultation for SP” in girls, but not in boys. Prolonged sitting was associated with high prevalence of NOP and SP in girls, and NOP in boys. Of various sedentary activities, TV watching and reading books associated with NOP in girls, whereas playing or working with a computer associated with NOP in boys. In girls, TV watching also associated with “Reporting SP”.
Discussion: Both prolonged sitting and high level of physical activity seem to be related to NOP and SP among adolescents.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr J. O’Dowd, Honorary Secretary at SBPR c/o BOA, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE.
