Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Pain and Releated Factors in School Age Children (8-12 years)

ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of pain and related factorsin musculoskeletal system in children.

Methods: A total of 313 primary school students were analyzed in this cross-sectional study conducted in the Famagusta city center and surrounding villages. The physical activity MSP level, health-related quality of life weight, height and school bag weights of the students were measured by a blinded researcher.

Results: The study group consisted of 164 (52.40%) boys and 149 (47.6%) girls with a mean age of 9.53 ± 0.82 years.In the present study, musculoskeletal pain (MSP) frequency was found to be 39.0%. There was no relationship between MSP and the following parameters: age, sex, BMI, hours of weekly gym lesson, regular participation in sports, weekly time spent with sports, school bag type, and school bag weight. There was also no relationship between these parameters and region of pain.

Conclusion: Excessive walking and sitting were associated with increased MSP. Contrary to popular opinion, it was found that school bag weight and school bag type were not effective on MSP.Our results show that the quality of life of children can be improved by reducing MSP.