Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal complaints are common among older adults and may interfere with daily functioning. Physical activity is widely promoted to maintain health in older populations; however, inappropriate intensity may be associated with musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in community-dwelling older adults.
Objective: To examine the association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal complaints among older adults in Badung, Bali.
Methods: This observational study employed a cross-sectional design and involved 50 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years, recruited using total sampling in February 2025. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while musculoskeletal complaints were measured using the Nordic Body Map (NBM). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, and the magnitude of association was expressed as a prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: A significant association was observed between physical activity level and musculoskeletal complaints (p = 0.001). Older adults with higher levels of physical activity showed a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints compared to those with moderate physical activity.
Conclusion: Physical activity level was significantly associated with musculoskeletal complaints among older adults. These findings indicate the importance of appropriate physical activity regulation and monitoring in older populations to minimize musculoskeletal complaints.