Relationship between low back, shoulder, and elbow pain in hazelnut workers and their harvestıng methods, physical activity status and healthy lifestyle

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics, hazelnut harvesting methods and duration, physical activity status, and healthy lifestyle behaviors of patients who have engaged in hazelnut harvesting and presented with complaints of low back, shoulder, and elbow pain for the first time at clinic . The goal is to assess whether these factors are influential in the emergence of disorders related to the reported complaints. Methods It is a cross-sectional study conducted on a total of 124 people between the ages of 20-65 years who applied to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic with complaints of low back, shoulder and elbow pain during the period of September - November 2020. Data were collected by a single physician through a questionnaire interview. The questionnaire consisted of 3 sections; sociodemographic characteristics, harvesting methods and additional tasks and IPAQ Short Form. Results Of the study participants, 63 (50.8%) presented to the clinic with low back pain and 66 (53.2%) were diagnosed with lumbar strain-sprain. This was followed by 38 (30.6%) with shoulder pain and 34 (27.4%) were diagnosed with rotator cuff syndrome. There was no significant difference between clinical diagnosis and age and sex. Conclusions Although sociodemographic characteristics, hazelnut harvesting methods and duration were not statistically associated with clinical diagnoses, the most common diagnosis was lumbar strain-sprain. In order to minimize the negative impact of the hazelnut harvesting on the musculoskeletal system, education and preventive measures can be provided to individuals engaged in hazelnut harvesting.