Musculoskeletal complaints in English law enforcement officers: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints are prevalent in law enforcement officers (LEOs), but research that examines their risk factors is limited. This study aimed to identify the self-reported MSK complaint prevalence and perceived causes in LEOs. Methods. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2024-01, Vol.30 (1), p.84-89
Main Authors: Kasem, Judi, Davies, Madeleine A. M., Chainey, Spencer, Ronca, Flaminia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
law enforcement
Low Back Pain - epidemiology
Male
musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal Diseases - epidemiology
Neck Pain - epidemiology
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
occupational health
pain
Police
Prevalence
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Objectives. Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints are prevalent in law enforcement officers (LEOs), but research that examines their risk factors is limited. This study aimed to identify the self-reported MSK complaint prevalence and perceived causes in LEOs. Methods. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to identify the 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSK 'trouble' (ache, pain, discomfort) for nine body sites. The perceived cause, participant characteristics and occupational role were reported. Body fat percentage was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Results. Complete submissions of 186 questionnaires were received (80% male, median age 40.6 years, interquartile range 10.1). Eighty-six per cent of officers reported having an MSK complaint in the last 12 months, where lower back, shoulder and neck complaint prevalence was 59.1, 48.4 and 42.5%, respectively. The occupational role was associated with the site and presence of complaints (p 
ISSN:1080-3548
2376-9130
DOI:10.1080/10803548.2023.2235844