One-year incidence and risk factors of thoracic spine pain in undergraduate students

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the 1 year incidence and identify biopsychosocial factors predicting the onset and persistence of thoracic spine pain in undergraduate students. [Subject] A 1 year prospective study was carried out among 684 healthy undergraduate students. [Methods] At baseline, a self-administered questionnaire and standardized physical examination were employed to gather biopsychosocial data. Follow-up data on the incidence of thoracic spine pain were collected every 3 months. Two regression models were built to analyze factors predicting the onset and persistence of thoracic spine pain. [Results] The 1 year incidence of thoracic spine pain was 27%, and 23% of subjects reported persistent symptoms. The onset of thoracic spine pain was predicted by female gender, poor neck extensor muscle endurance and high percentage duration of mouse use during computer work. Female students being in the second year of their studies and unsupported elbows during computer use were predictors of persistent symptoms. [Conclusion] Thoracic spine pain is quite common among undergraduate students and many of them may have persistent symptoms. Interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of symptoms in undergraduate students should, at the least, include teaching 2nd year female students how to perform computer work safely.