Association Between Upper and Lower Limb Flexibility and Musculoskeletal Symptoms

This study aimed to compare upper and lower limb flexibility between workers who did and did not reported musculoskeletal symptoms, in the previous 12 months. The sample consisted of 70 workers from a manufacturing company of water heaters and solar panels. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Flexibility of the upper and lower limb was assessed with the Appley Scratch Test and the Sit and Reach Test, respectively. Results revealed significant differences in flexibility between workers who did and did not reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the previous 12 months in the shoulder region (p = 0.050) and in the hip/thighs (p = 0.033), with the ones reporting pain in these body regions evidencing significantly lower flexibility values in the upper and lower limbs, respectively. These results highlight the importance of maintaining an adequate flexibility to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.