Uncorrected Author Proof Work xx (2020) x–xx DOI:10.3233/WOR-203318 IOS Press 1 Associations between strength, flexibility, and painful symptomology in university staff 1 2 3 Vinicius Muller Reis Weber a,∗ , Marcelo Romanzini a , Marcos Roberto Queiroga b , Camila Panchoni a , Julio Cesar da Costa a , Luiz Augusto da Silva c , Bruno Sergio Portela b and Enio Ricardo Vaz Ronque a 4 5 a Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise–GEPAFE. State University of Londrina–UEL, Londrina, Brazil, 6 7 b Physical Education Department, Midwest State University of Paran ´ a, Guarapuava, Paran ´ a, Brazil 8 c Physical Education Department, Guairac ´ a College, Guarapuava, Paran ´ a, Brazil 9 Received 13 February 2019 10 Accepted 6 November 2019 11 Abstract. 12 BACKGROUND: In the adult population, the work environment and physical fitness levels are directly related to the onset of musculoskeletal pain, repetitive strain injuries, and decreased blood circulation. Although low levels of muscle strength and flexibility may lead to a higher prevalence of pain, specific anatomic regions are poorly addressed. 13 14 15 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the association between strength or flexibility and pain in university staff 16 17 METHODS: The sample was composed of 110 members of staff from a university in Guarapuava-PR. Body mass and height values were obtained, from which the BMI was calculated. The pain evaluation was performed by means of a questionnaire, analyzing the intensity, frequency, and anatomical region. The subjects were then submitted to strength (right and left hand grip, lumbar traction, lower limb traction) and flexibility tests (sit and reach test). 18 19 20 21 RESULTS: The anatomical region with the highest prevalence of pain was the lumbar region (43.4%). When the association between the presence of pain and flexibility was performed, only the lumbar traction presented significant results, with the weakest group demonstrating pain (OR: 3.47 [1.27 – 9.49]). 22 23 24 CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that low levels of strength in the lumbar region are associated with the presence of painful symptomatology. 25 26 Keywords: Muscle pain, work-related, physical fitness, health, lumbar strength 27 1. Introduction 28 Although the health of the world population is a 29 topic that has been discussed for decades, in the pre- 30 sent day, chronic degenerative diseases have begun 31 ∗ Address for correspondence: Vin´ ıcius M¨ uller Reis Weber, Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise –GEPAFE, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, Campus Universit´ ario, Caixa postal 6001, Londrina, Paran´ a, Brazil, Zip code: 86051-990. Tel.: +55 (43) 3371 4139; E-mail: vinicius weber1994@gmail.com. to gain more importance in this scenario, significan- 32 tly increasing public health expenditures [1]. As this 33 expenditure reaches up to 7.5 billion a year, it is pre- 34 sented as being not only a public health problem but 35 also an economic issue [2]. 36 The work environment and labor physical activity, 37 one of the domains of daily activities [3], are asso- 38 ciated with pathologies that interfere with the health 39 and quality of life of the population. Different types of 40 work activities are associated with sedentary hours of 41 work, incorrect work ergonomics, excessive working 42 1051-9815/20/$35.00 © 2020 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved