Influence of gender and age on musculoskeletal symptoms in white-collar and blue-collar workers: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among blue-collar and white-collar workers stratified by gender and age. Methods. The sample was composed of 390 blue-collar and 510 white-collar workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. An independent t test or Mann-Whitney test was used for inter-group comparisons. The χ2 association test was applied for categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of gender and age on musculoskeletal symptoms. Results. The prevalence of shoulder, lower back and ankle/foot symptoms was higher among blue-collar workers compared to white-collar workers. In the analysis stratified by gender, female blue-collar workers had a higher frequency of shoulder symptoms and male blue-collar workers had a higher frequency of lower back symptoms. In the analysis stratified by age, younger blue collar-workers had a higher frequency of shoulder, lower back and ankle/foot symptoms compared to young white-collar workers, and older white-collar workers had a higher frequency of neck symptoms compared to older blue-collar workers. Conclusions. Gender and age exerted an influence on self-reported symptoms in blue-collar and white-collar workers.

[The practice of physical activity in the campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS)]. / A prática de atividade física na cidade universitária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS).

The implementation and strengthening of initiatives on physical activity and health are needed to guide and propose body practice in a conscious and autonomous way. Given the relevance of the investigation of places to the practice of physical activity in the development of public policies and practices of intervention, it is necessary knowledge about where and how this activity is developed, and the characteristics of the people interested. The objective of this study was characterize practitioners of physical activity in the Campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS); identifying ways and reasons that led these people to seek for that space and the importance of vocational guidance for the practice. Data was collected by observation and interview with 75 people in November 2006. The results indicated that most were men, adults, practiced mostly to walk without professional guidance. It is hoped that studies is encouraging the development of projects in recognition of where and how physical activity is developed and characteristics of who the search. This information can collaborate to interpretations based, interventions and initiatives in public policy, as they may drive development of programs to encourage physical activity, such as municipal Atlas of Sports, in operation.

A prática de atividade física na cidade universitária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) / The practice of physical activity in the campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS)

A implementação e o fortalecimento de iniciativas na atividade física e saúde são necessárias para orientar e propor práticas corporais de forma consciente e autônoma. Diante da relevância de levantamento de locais para prática de atividade física na elaboração de políticas públicas e práticas de intervenção, se faz necessário o conhecimento sobre onde e como esta atividade é desenvolvida, além das características de quem a busca. Este estudo teve por objetivos caracterizar os praticantes de atividade física na Cidade Universitária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), identificar as modalidades e motivos que os levavam a procurar aquele espaço e a importância de orientação profissional para esta prática. A coleta ocorreu por observação e entrevista com 75 indivíduos, em novembro de 2006. Os resultados indicaram que a maior parte eram homens, adultos, praticantes de caminhada e não tinham orientação profissional. Espera-se que estudos sejam realizados, pois estas informações podem colaborar para intervenções e iniciativas de políticas públicas fundamentadas, além de direcionar a elaboração de programas de incentivo à atividade física, como o Atlas do Esporte em âmbito municipal (em operacionalização).

The implementation and strengthening of initiatives on physical activity and health are needed to guide and propose body practice in a conscious and autonomous way. Given the relevance of the investigation of places to the practice of physical activity in the development of public policies and practices of intervention, it is necessary knowledge about where and how this activity is developed, and the characteristics of the people interested. The objective of this study was characterize practitioners of physical activity in the Campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS); identifying ways and reasons that led these people to seek for that space and the importance of vocational guidance for the practice. Data was collected by observation and interview with 75 people in November 2006. The results indicated that most were men, adults, practiced mostly to walk without professional guidance. It is hoped that studies is encouraging the development of projects in recognition of where and how physical activity is developed and characteristics of who the search. This information can collaborate to interpretations based, interventions and initiatives in public policy, as they may drive development of programs to encourage physical activity, such as municipal Atlas of Sports, in operation.