Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mechanical musculoskeletal disorders diminish quality of life and increase healthcare costs but lack prevention strategies. The lack of validated risk factors may be a reason. This study supports the previously hypothesized motion impairments as one potential risk factor in causing mechanical musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of individuals in a rehabilitation setting with mechanical musculoskeletal disorders was done to identify the presence of co-existing motion impairments. A correlational analysis of their co-existing presence with a description of how they may directly contribute to those disorders followed. RESULTS: All individuals with mechanical musculoskeletal disorders whose charts were reviewed, presented with co-existing motion impairments. Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) was 1 indicating a strong positive correlation between variables. Linear regression revealed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 1 suggesting that variation in the dependent variable was explained by the independent variable. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may be of value as a hypothesis generator highlighting the need for the investigation of motion impairments as a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal dysfunction.