Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among bovine practitioners, yet evidence on their prevalence and associated factors remains limited in developing countries.
Objective
to determine the prevalence of shoulder pain and associated factors in Brazilian veterinarians involved in the reproductive management of beef cattle, and to compare shoulder muscle strength and handgrip strength between the dominant and non-dominant sides.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 148 veterinarians were recruited during an annual conference. Sociodemographic, occupational and lifestyle factors were assessed. Pain intensity, disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-SPADI, and Neck Disability Index-NDI), lifestyle (Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire), and muscle strength (shoulder abduction, lateral rotation and handgrip dynamometry) were evaluated. Predictors of shoulder pain were identified through a binary logistic regression analysis (n = 98), and variables were compared between the dominant and non-dominant sides (n = 50) using the Wilcoxon test.
Results
Shoulder pain was reported by 69% of veterinarians. Neck pain increased the odds of shoulder pain, whereas work-related factors were not associated. Current smokers were less likely to report shoulder pain than non-smokers. Participants were mostly men (mean aged 35 years) with moderate pain intensity, low SPADI and NDI scores and good lifestyle habits. Shoulder muscle strength did not differ between sides; although dominant handgrip was greater than non-dominant.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain is highly prevalent among Brazilian veterinarians working in the reproductive management of beef cattle. Neck pain appears to be a key associated factor for shoulder pain, but not work characteristics, highlighting the importance of early stages of rehabilitation management to prevent further musculoskeletal disorders.
Keywords
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