Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with work-related stress, muscle flexibility and physical activity level among police officers in Kandy police division, Sri Lanka

Background & Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent among police officers due to the physical and psychological demands of their work. Factors such as work-related stress, inadequate flexibility and low physical activity levels may contribute to MSDs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSDs among police officers in Kandy police division, Sri Lanka and to investigate the associations between MSDs and work-related stress, muscle flexibility and physical activity level.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 police officers in the Kandy police division, Sri Lanka. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess prevalence of MSDs. Work-related stress was measured using the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op). Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and flexibility was assessed using the Shoulder Stretch Test and Sit and Reach Test.
Results: In this study, the prevalence of MSDs was 78.8%, with lower back (48.5%) and knee (41.1%) being most affected. Regarding physical activity levels, 50.2% police officers were inactive. Stress levels were significantly high (64.1%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence of MSDs and stress (χ²=15.93, p<0.01), physical inactivity (χ²=6.54, p<0.05), poor flexibility in upper extremity on the right (χ²=7.21, p<0.05) and lower extremity (χ²=13.16, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant association between prevalence of MSDs and flexibility in upper extremity on the left side (χ²=4.16, p>0.05).
Conclusions & Recommendations: The study demonstrated a significant prevalence of MSDs, with significant associations between MSDs and work-related stress, reduced physical activity and reduced muscle flexibility. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as stress management, flexibility training and promoting regular physical activity to improve the overall health and well-being of police officers.