The Impact of Physical Activity on the Prevention of Spine Musculoskeletal Disorders in Lactating Women in Cameroon

ABSTRACT

Introduction : Spine musculoskeletal disorders (SMSDs) may interfere with breastfeeding and negatively impact maternal and infant health. Physical activity (PA) is known to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of PA levels on the occurrence of SMSDs in Lactating Women in Cameroon.

Methods :  This cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2024 included 399 nursing women in the Foumbot Health District, Cameroon using a consecutive non-probability convenience sampling. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and SMSDs were evaluated using an adapted version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associations. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean (SD) age of participants was 24.3 (5.1) years, and that of their infants was 11.1 (8.5) weeks. The Madonna position was the most common breastfeeding position, used by 388 (97.2%) nursing women. Among participants, 236 (59.1%) reported SMSDs, with the most affected region being the upper back 98 (41.5%). PA levels were high in 149 (37.3%) participants, moderate in 208 (52.1%), and low in 42 (10.5%).

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397510537_The_Impact_of_Physical_Activity_on_the_Prevention_of_Spine_Musculoskeletal_Disorders_in_Lactating_Women_in_Cameroon?_sg%5B0%5D=1F-qI2qN3YPQ9dn4kXqSa9LuVGlzuKRMhVIqxSED66_OwCvm478dC51QO6wKuQYTc3qaY8FtRijyVKyPC-W6wQSKcLE-900HuFvLGdDR.ecQ8d7WxX8-xup20X9OFXtS448T1xiDdGV0Q8PO1Pq9uaHgQIn5vrQMSPo5sNRxaK4XDCioZheKFLMZrvzKT3A&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19