Effect of two dynamic seat cushions on postural shift, trunk muscle activation and spinal discomfort in office workers.

We investigated the effect of two dynamic seat cushions on postural shift, trunk muscle activation and spinal discomfort. In this repeated-measures study, 30 healthy office workers were randomly assigned to a sequence of three conditions: sitting on a dynamic seat cushion-A, cushion-B and control (no seat cushion). The two dynamic seat cushions had different inflation levels. Participants typed a standard text for an hour and were monitored for postural shift by using a seat pressure mat, transversus abdominis/internal oblique and lumbar multifidus muscles activity by using surface EMG, spinal discomfort by using Borg's CR-10 scale. Two-way repeated ANOVAs showed no statistically significant interaction effects between condition and time on postural shift and muscle activation. Post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that postural shifts and lumbar multifidus activation during sitting on cushion-A were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the control and cushion-B conditions. Both cushions reduced spinal discomfort, compared to the control condition (p < 0.05).

Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for working cancer survivors: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive problems contribute to decline in work performance. We evaluated (1) the effectiveness of basic self-management and extensive therapist-guided online cognitive rehabilitation on attainment of individually predetermined work-related goals among occupationally active cancer survivors, and (2) whether effectiveness of the programs differed for survivors with and without formal cognitive impairment. METHODS: In a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (NCT03900806), 279 non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints were assigned to the basic program (n = 93), the extensive program (n = 93), or a waiting-list control group (n = 93). Participants completed measurements pre-randomization (T0), 12 weeks post-randomization upon program completion (T1), and 26 weeks post-randomization (T2). Mixed-effects modeling was used to compare intervention groups with the control group on goal attainment, and on self-perceived cognitive problems, work ability, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Participants in the extensive program achieved their predetermined goals better than those in the control group, at short- and long-term follow-up (effect size [ES] = .49; P < .001; ES = .34; P = .014). They also had fewer recovery needs after work (ES = -.21; P = .011), more vitality (ES = .20; P = .018), and better physical role functioning (ES = .0.43 P = .015) than controls. At long-term follow-up, this finding persisted for physical role functioning (ES = .42; P = .034). The basic program elicited a small positive nonsignificant short-term (not long-term) effect on goal attainment for those with adequate adherence (ES = .28, P = .053). Effectiveness of the programs did not differ for patients with or without cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based therapist-guided extensive cognitive rehabilitation improves work-related goal attainment. Considering the prevalence of cognitive problems in survivors, it is desirable to implement this program.

The relevance of false positive acid phosphatase reactions indicative of the presence of seminal fluid from oral and vaginal samples.

The Body Fluid Forum of the Association of Forensic Science Providers recognised concerns raised by forensic practitioners regarding the lack of data to inform on the incidence of significant AP (Acid Phosphatase) reactions from vaginal and oral samples, i.e. those which might be misinterpreted as indicating the presence of semen. This is particularly relevant in the light of appeal court rulings regarding the need for data to support evaluations. This paper presents collaborative data on the nature and incidence of AP reactions from vaginal and oral swabs provided by donors. The results demonstrate that caution is required with mid to strong purple AP reactions from direct testing of oral swabs and with mid purple reactions from vaginal swabs. The use of a Bayesian approach to assist with the provision of opinions regarding the presence of seminal fluid is highlighted.

Pathological ultrastructural alterations of myelinated axons in normal appearing white matter in progressive multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology includes inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration, but the exact mechanisms of disease initiation and progression are unknown. A major feature of lesions is lack of myelin, which increases axonal energy demand and requires adaptation in number and size of mitochondria. Outside lesions, subtle and diffuse alterations are observed in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and normal appearing grey matter (NAGM), including increased oxidative stress, reduced axon density and changes in myelin composition and morphology. On an ultrastructural level, only limited data is available on alterations in myelinated axons. We generated large scale 2D scanning transmission electron microscopy images ('nanotomy') of non-demyelinated brain tissue of control and progressive MS donors, accessible via an open-access online repository. We observed a reduced density of myelinated axons in NAWM, without a decrease in cross-sectional axon area. Small myelinated axons were less frequently and large myelinated axons were more frequently present in NAWM, while the g-ratio was similar. The correlation between axonal mitochondrial radius and g-ratio was lost in NAWM, but not in NAGM. Myelinated axons in control GM and NAGM had a similar g-ratio and radius distribution. We hypothesize that axonal loss in NAWM is likely compensated by swelling of the remaining myelinated axons and subsequent adjustment of myelin thickness to maintain their g-ratio. Failure of axonal mitochondria to adjust their size and fine-tuning of myelin thickness may render NAWM axons and their myelin more susceptible to injury.

Neurological recovery after early versus delayed surgical decompression for acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study was to determine whether early surgical treatment results in better neurological recovery 12 months after injury than late surgical treatment in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Patients with tSCI requiring surgical spinal decompression presenting to 17 centres in Europe were recruited. Depending on the timing of decompression, patients were divided into early (≤ 12 hours after injury) and late (> 12 hours and < 14 days after injury) groups. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological (ASIA) examination was performed at baseline (after injury but before decompression) and at 12 months. The primary endpoint was the change in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) from baseline to 12 months. The final analyses comprised 159 patients in the early and 135 in the late group. Patients in the early group had significantly more severe neurological impairment before surgical treatment. For unadjusted complete-case analysis, mean change in LEMS was 15.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1 to 19.0) in the early and 11.3 (95% CI 8.3 to 14.3) in the late group, with a mean between-group difference of 4.3 (95% CI -0.3 to 8.8). Using multiply imputed data adjusting for baseline LEMS, baseline ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), and propensity score, the mean between-group difference in the change in LEMS decreased to 2.2 (95% CI -1.5 to 5.9). Compared to late surgical decompression, early surgical decompression following acute tSCI did not result in statistically significant or clinically meaningful neurological improvements 12 months after injury. These results, however, do not impact the well-established need for acute, non-surgical tSCI management. This is the first study to highlight that a combination of baseline imbalances, ceiling effects, and loss to follow-up rates may yield an overestimate of the effect of early surgical decompression in unadjusted analyses, which underpins the importance of adjusted statistical analyses in acute tSCI research.

Intelligence and Executive Functions: A Comprehensive Assessment of Intellectually Gifted Children.

OBJECTIVE: Executive functions (EFs) play a key role in cognitive and behavioral functioning. Their multiple forms and implications for daily life behaviors mean they are sometimes equated with intelligence. Several elements even suggest that intellectually gifted children (IGC) may present better executive functioning than typical developing children (TDC, children with intelligence in the average range). However, no study has ever completely tested this hypothesis by a comprehensive assessment of EFs in IGC. METHOD: Results of 30 IGC and 35 TDC aged from 6 to 16 years old were compared through a comprehensive assessment of EFs (inhibition, flexibility, and planning), comprising performance-based and daily life measures. RESULTS: IGC did not differ from TDC in EF performance-based measures. However, they scored higher in parents' and some teachers' ratings, suggesting higher indicators of difficulties in daily life. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, high intellectual level does not appear to be associated with superior EFs. Surprisingly, parents and teachers of IGC reported more complaints about their executive functioning in everyday life. We put forward different hypotheses to explain this contrast. Further research is needed to better understand this phenomenon, in which neuropsychology has a fundamental role to play.

Design recommendations for exoskeletons: Perspectives of individuals with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the expectations of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding exoskeletons. DESIGN: The survey consisted out of questions regarding multiple aspects of exoskeleton technology. SETTING: An online survey was distributed via the monthly newsletter of the Dutch Patient Association for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI who are members of the Dutch Patient Association for SCI. OUTCOME MEASURES: General impression of exoskeleton technology, expectations regarding capabilities and user-friendliness, training expectations and experiences, future perspectives and points of improvement. RESULTS: The survey was filled out by 95 individuals with SCI, exoskeletons were considered positive and desirable by 74.7%. About 11 percent (10.5%) thought one could ambulate faster, or just as fast, while wearing an exoskeleton as able-bodied people. Furthermore, 18.9% expected not to use a wheelchair or walking aids while ambulating with the exoskeleton. Twenty-five percent believed that exoskeletons could replace wheelchairs. Some main points of improvement included being able to wear the exoskeleton in a wheelchair and while driving a car, not needing crutches while ambulating, and being able to put the exoskeleton on by oneself. CONCLUSION: Individuals with SCI considered exoskeletons as a positive and desirable innovation. But based on the findings from the surveys, major points of improvement are necessary for exoskeletons to replace wheelchairs in the future. For future exoskeleton development, we recommend involvement of individuals with SCI to meet user expectations and improve in functionality, usability and quality of exoskeletons.

Tailoring work participation support for cancer survivors using the stages of change: perspectives of (health care) professionals and survivors.

PURPOSE: Interventions to support work participation in cancer survivors (CSs) have shown limited effectiveness. Applying a behavioral change framework (e.g., stages of change) could make work participation interventions for CSs more timely and tailored. We aimed to explore the application of the stages of change framework to work participation support for CSs and to generate stage-specific intervention content. METHODS: Eighteen experts (e.g., occupational physicians, reintegration consultants) were individually interviewed, and three focus groups with CSs (n = 6, n = 5, n = 4) were conducted. Data were analyzed along the six work-related behavioral change stages purported by the readiness for return to work framework, which is based on the stages of change. RESULTS: The following themes were identified: (1) pre-contemplation: emotional support and staying connected-encourage contact with the employer/colleagues; (2) contemplation: considering return to work is stressful-facilitate the deliberation process; (3) preparation self-evaluative: assess current capabilities-seek guidance from, e.g., occupational physicians; (4) preparation behavioral: planning return to work-allow for personalized solutions and encourage supervised return to work; (5) uncertain maintenance: guard against overload-train self-efficacy strategies and communication tactics; and (6) proactive maintenance: accept and prepare for the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the potential utility of tailoring CSs' work participation support along the stages of change. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: We provided recommendations for intervention content and developed a stage-specific work participation intervention for CSs, the effectiveness of which will be evaluated in an upcoming randomized controlled trial.

'Nobody can take the stress away from me': a qualitative study on experiences of partners of patients with cancer regarding their work and health.

PURPOSE: To explore experienced health- and work-related problems of partners of patients with cancer, and their needs for support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Dutch partners of patients with cancer. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically, following the six steps of Braun & Clarke. RESULTS: Of 20 included partners (mean age: 50 years [31-63]), 60% was female. Five themes consistently emerged from the data: 1) overwhelming chaos calls for taking control; 2) impact of prolonged stress; 3) flexibility and support of the employer are crucial; 4) coping with family and friends is a delicate matter; and 5) support from healthcare professionals is needed, but not a given. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study show that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked. The state of survival mode that partners get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation. Given this high burden and as legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appear to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer. Implications for RehabilitationThe survival mode that partners of patients with cancer get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation.This study showed that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked.Given this high burden and because legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appears to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer.

Psychosocial work factors affecting mental health of young workers: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: For the general working population, robust evidence exists for associations between psychosocial work exposures and mental health. As this relationship is less clear for young workers, this systematic review aims at providing an overview of the evidence concerning psychosocial work factors affecting mental health of young workers. METHODS: The electronic databases used were PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO and were last searched in October 2021. The eligible outcomes included depression-, stress-, burnout- and anxiety-related complaints, and fatigue, excluding clinical diagnoses and suicide-related outcomes. Only studies with workers aged 35 years or younger were included, which reported at least one association between a psychosocial work factor as exposure and a mental health complaint as outcome. Studies had to be in English, German or Dutch. Risk of bias was assessed using an instrument from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Data synthesis was conducted using GRADE. RESULTS: In total 17 studies were included in this systematic review, including data from 35,600 young workers in total. Across these studies 86 exposure-outcome associations were reported. Nine exposure-outcome associations could be synthesised. The application of the GRADE framework led to one "low" assessment for the association between psychosocial job quality and mental health. The certainty of evidence for the other eight associations in the synthesis was very low. CONCLUSIONS: The current systematic review disclosed a high degree of uncertainty of the evidence due to conceptually fuzzy outcomes and exposures as well as large heterogeneity between studies.

Filtering and Imaging of Frequency-Degenerate Spin Waves Using Nanopositioning of a Single-Spin Sensor.

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) magnetometry is a new technique for imaging spin waves in magnetic materials. It detects spin waves by their microwave magnetic stray fields, which decay evanescently on the scale of the spin-wavelength. Here, we use nanoscale control of a single-NV sensor as a wavelength filter to characterize frequency-degenerate spin waves excited by a microstrip in a thin-film magnetic insulator. With the NV probe in contact with the magnet, we observe an incoherent mixture of thermal and microwave-driven spin waves. By retracting the tip, we progressively suppress the small-wavelength modes until a single coherent mode emerges from the mixture. In-contact scans at low drive power surprisingly show occupation of the entire isofrequency contour of the two-dimensional spin-wave dispersion despite our one-dimensional microstrip geometry. Our distance-tunable filter sheds light on the spin-wave band occupation under microwave excitation and opens opportunities for imaging magnon condensates and other coherent spin-wave modes.

Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Leisure Time Physical Exercise after a Citizen Science-Based Worksite Health Promotion Program for Blue-Collar Workers.

Blue-collar workers have, on average, poorer health than white-collar workers. Existing worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) are often not successful among blue-collar workers. This study evaluates the effect of the Citizen Science-based WHPP on the targeted lifestyle behaviors among construction workers. The data of 114 participants were retrieved from questionnaires before (T0) and after (T1) the WHPP. Outcome measures were mean and categorical changes in daily fruit and vegetable intake and weekly leisure time physical exercise. Changes were tested using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and McNemar tests. No statistically significant changes were found between T0 and T1. In total, 73.7% of the participants felt involved in the WHPP. Changes in the outcome measures were not significantly different between subgroups based on age, nor in subgroups based on feelings of involvedness. The low intensity of the developed program could be an explanation for this lack of significant change. Future studies using the Citizen Science approach in an occupational setting should aim at developing a more intensified program and should test its effectiveness by comparing changes in a (randomized) controlled trial.

Orthopedic Interventions for Foot Deformities in Non-Ambulant People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Retrospective Study on Indications, Post-Operative and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Progressive equinovarus deformities are common in people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD); they may provoke pain, pressure spots, cause problems with wearing footwear, and may lead to an unstable sitting position. OBJECTIVE: Explore indications and compare complications and long-term outcomes after soft tissue and osseous interventions in people with DMD. METHODS: Retrospective, monocenter, longitudinal study. Data on indications, equinus and varus deformity before and after surgery, wound healing problems, 'pain', edema, and long-term outcomes were collected from medical files. Soft tissue interventions were compared with osseous interventions. RESULTS: From a series of 18 patients, data on 32 surgical interventions and 169 follow-up visits were analyzed. 'Footrest placement' was the most frequent surgical indication, followed by pain. Osseous interventions were performed in older patients with rigid deformities. Directly after surgery remaining deformities were reported after soft tissue interventions (18 %), no remaining deformities were reported after osseous interventions. Pain and edema were frequently present, especially after osseous surgery. Longitudinal follow-up showed that surgical interventions could lead to a neutral foot for a for more than 3 years on average years. Relapses of foot deformity occurred, especially the recurrence of varus deformity after osseous interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical interventions can successfully lead to a neutral foot position for for more than 3 years on average. Soft tissue interventions appear to be superior to osseous corrections, considering the varus recurrence period and complications, and may be considered when feet are still (partly) correctable. Pain management and edema prevention should be anticipated before surgery. Future research on patient reported outcomes as well as evaluating the outcome of the initial indication is needed to further identify benefits.

The process evaluation of a citizen science approach to design and implement workplace health promotion programs.

BACKGROUND: Many workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) do not reach blue-collar workers. To enhance the fit and reach, a Citizen Science (CS) approach was applied to co-create and implement WHPPs. This study aims to evaluate i) the process of this CS approach and ii) the resulting WHPPs. METHODS: The study was performed in two companies: a construction company and a container terminal company. Data were collected by questionnaires, interviews and logbooks. Using the framework of Nielsen and Randall, process measures were categorized in the intervention, context and mental models. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using MaxQDA software. RESULTS: The involvement in the CS approach and co-creating the WHPPs was positively experienced. Information provision, sustained engagement over time and alignment with the workplace's culture resulted in barriers in the CS process. As to the resulting WHPPs, involvement and interaction during the intervention sessions were particularly experienced in small groups. The reach was affected by the unfavorable planning off the WHPPs and external events of re-originations and the covid-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION: Continuous information provision and engagement over time, better alignment with the workplace's culture and favorable planning are considered to be important factors for facilitating involvement, reach and satisfaction of the workers in a Citizen science approach to design and implement a WHPP. Further studies continuously monitoring the process of WHPPs using the CS approach could be helpful to anticipate on external factors and increase the adaptability. CONCLUSIONS: Workers were satisfied with the involvement in WHPPs. Organizational and social cultural factors were barriers for the CS approach and its reach. Involvement and interaction in WHPPs were particularly experienced in small grouped sessions. Consequently, contextual and personal factors need be considered in the design and implementation of WHPPs with CS approach among blue-collar workers.

Caregiver's burden at the end of life of their loved one: insights from a longitudinal qualitative study among working family caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Growing numbers of people with advanced illnesses who wish to die at home, a concurrent decline in the accessibility of professional home care, and policies aiming at prolonging work participation are increasing the reliance on family caregivers. This study aimed to describe trajectories in burden of working family caregivers who care for patients with a life-threatening illness, and identify factors in work and care that are related to changes in burden over time. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held in one to four rounds between July 2018 and November 2020 with 17 working family caregivers of patients with a life-threatening illness living at home. Transcripts were analysed as a single unit to create timelines per participant. Next, individual burden trajectories were created and grouped based on the course of burden over time. Factors related to changes in burden were analysed, as well as similarities and differences between the groups. RESULTS: It was common for family caregivers who combine work and end-of-life care to experience a burden. Two trajectories of caregiver burden were identified; caregivers with a persistent level of burden and caregivers with an increasing burden over time. Family caregivers with a persistent level of burden seemed to be at risk for burnout throughout the illness trajectory, but were often able to cope with the situation by making arrangements in care or work. Caregivers with an increasing burden were unable to make sufficient adjustments, which often resulted in burnout symptoms and sick leave. In both groups, burden was mostly related to aspects of the care situation. The emotional burden, a decreasing burden after death and a different view on the trajectory in hindsight proved to be important overarching themes. CONCLUSIONS: Providing care to a loved one nearing the end of life is often emotionally burdensome and intensive. To facilitate the combination of paid work and family care, and reduce the risk of burnout, more support is needed from employers and healthcare professionals during the illness trajectory and after death. Bereaved family caregivers also warrant more attention from their supervisors and occupational physicians in order to facilitate their return to work.

Neuropsychological test performance and self-reported cognitive functioning associated with work-related outcomes in occupationally active cancer survivors with cognitive complaints.

PURPOSE: To assess cognitive functioning in occupationally active non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints using neuropsychological tests, and to investigate the association between (1) formally assessed cognitive functioning and self-reported work-related outcomes and (2) self-reported cognitive functioning at work and self-reported work-related outcomes. METHODS: Baseline data of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (n = 279) were used. Associations between neuropsychological test performance (Amsterdam Cognition Scan) and self-reported cognitive functioning (Cognitive Symptom Checklist-work) with work ability (Work Ability Index) and work functioning (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire) were examined using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Thirty percent of cancer survivors had lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests. Higher overall neuropsychological test performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen's f2 = 0.014) and physical functioning at work (Cohen's f2 = 0.13). Furthermore, higher motor performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen's f2 = 0.018). In addition, self-reported work-related cognitive complaints were associated with self-reported work-related outcomes (Cohen's f2 = 0.13-0.35). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of cancer survivors with lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests exceeded the percentage expected in a normal population. This neuropsychological test performance was weakly associated with various aspects of work ability and work functioning. Stronger associations were found between self-reported cognitive functioning at work with self-reported work-related outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A cognitive rehabilitation approach that specifically aims at reducing cognitive symptoms at work could be a valuable part of interventions that aim to improve work-related outcomes. Trial registration The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900806) at 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900806?term=NCT03900806&draw=2&rank=1.

Effects of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular health: the TANSNIP-PESA trial.

AIMS: To investigate the effectiveness of a 3-year worksite lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular metrics and to study whether outcomes are influenced by baseline subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) by non-invasive imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized controlled trial was performed to compare a lifestyle intervention with standard of care in asymptomatic middle-aged subjects, stratified by SA. The intervention consisted of nine motivational interviews during the first year, followed by three further sessions between Years 1 and 3. The primary outcome was the change in a pre-specified adaptation of the Fuster-BEWAT score (Blood pressure, Exercise, Weight, Alimentation, and Tobacco) between baseline and follow-up Years 1-3. A total of 1020 participants (mean age 50 ± 4 years) were enrolled, of whom 510 were randomly assigned to the intervention and 510 to the control group. The baseline adapted Fuster-BEWAT score was 16.2 ± 3.7 points in the intervention group and 16.5 ± 3.5 points in the control group. At Year 1, the score improved significantly in intervention participants compared with controls [estimate 0.83 (95% CI 0.52-1.15) points]. However, intervention effectiveness decreased to non-significant levels at Year 3 [0.24 (95% CI -0.10 to 0.59) points]. Over the 3-year period, the intervention was effective in participants having low baseline SA [0.61 (95% CI 0.30-0.93) points] but not in those with high baseline SA [0.19 (95% CI -0.26 to 0.64) points]. CONCLUSION: In middle-aged asymptomatic adults, a lifestyle intervention was associated with a significant improvement in cardiovascular health and behavioural metrics. The effect attenuated after 1 year as the intensity of the intervention was reduced. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02561065).

Can the Borg CR-10 scale for neck and low back discomfort predict future neck and low back pain among high-risk office workers?

PURPOSE: Perceived discomfort could indicate an early sign of pain, for example, as a result of a biomechanical load on the musculoskeletal system. Assessing discomfort can, therefore, help to identify workers at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders for targeted intervention development. We aimed: (1) to identify the optimal cut-off value of neck and low back discomfort among office workers and (2) to evaluate its predictive validity with future neck and low back pain, respectively. METHODS: At baseline healthy participants (n = 100) completed questionnaires, including the Borg CR-10 discomfort scale (on a 0-10 scale), and were followed for six months, during which musculoskeletal pain was assessed monthly. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of baseline discomfort with the onset of future neck or low back pain. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve were estimated to identify the optimal discomfort cut-off value predicting future pain. RESULTS: Borg CR-10 scores ≥ 3.5 for perceived neck and low back discomfort had acceptable sensitivity and specificity to predict future neck and low back pain, respectively. Perceived discomfort at baseline as a dichotomous measure (using the ≥ 3.5 cut-off) was a statistically significant predictor of future neck pain (OR = 10.33) and low back pain (OR = 11.81). CONCLUSION: We identified the optimal cut-off value of the Borg CR-10 discomfort scale to identify office workers at increased risk of developing neck and low back pain. These findings might benefit ergonomists, primary health care providers, and occupational health researchers in developing targeted interventions.