Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Muscle Strength Decline Among Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has experienced rapid development across various sectors, attracting residents for both living and working purposes. Among these residents, approximately 56.02 million are office workers. Office workers, defined as individuals employed in organizations to meet daily livelihood needs, typically work 8–10 hours per day. Prolonged sedentary work may limit physical activity, leading to musculoskeletal pain and reduced muscle strength, particularly in the lower limbs. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain and muscle strength decline in office workers aged 20–35 years.

Methods: An observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. Participants were selected using a non-probability sampling method, with 24 subjects meeting predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, musculoskeletal pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and muscle strength was evaluated with an aneroid sphygmomanometer. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, and muscle strength.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between physical activity levels and both musculoskeletal pain and muscle strength decline among office workers aged 20–35 years (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Physical activity levels are significantly associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain and reduced muscle strength in office workers aged 20–35 years.