Physical activity participation and the association with work-related upper quadrant disorders (WRUQDs): A systematic review

Background: Workers of various occupations often report Work Related Upper Quadrant Disorders (WRUQDs). Research has shown that associative factors for WRUQDs include psychosocial and environmental elements, gender and physical activity levels. To date no review has investigated whether physical activity participation is associated to the incidence or may predict the development of WRUQDs. Objective: To determine whether physical activity participation is associated with and/or predicts the development of Work Related Upper Quadrant Disorders (WRUQDs) Methods: A systematic review was conducted including searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to March 31st 2017. Quantitative studies including any outcome measure of physical activity participation and its association with and/or prediction to WRUQDs were included. One reviewer conducted the search and two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and completed methodological quality assessment using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Data was analysed narratively. Results: Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in the final review. The quality of these ranged from moderate to high quality. Three studies reported nil statistical difference between physical activity participation and the risk of developing WRUQD. Three studies reported a negative and one study reported a positive association between physical activity participation and WRUQDs. One study reported that little or no physical exercise participation was a risk factor WRUQD. Conclusion: There is limited evidence for a negative association between physical activity participation and WRUQDs development. However this was not a consistent finding across all studies included. Further research is indicated in standardising diagnostic criteria and physical activity participation measurement in this patient population.