Pain, risk profile, self-reported and tested function in workers with musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in pain, risk profile, self-reported and tested function between health care workers and school- and kindergarten workers with musculoskeletal pain and to examine differences in pain and function when the two vocational groups were categorised according to risk profile and pain category. Methods: There were 403 health care workers or school- and kindergarten workers included in the cross-sectional study. Pain, risk profile and self-reported and tested function were measured with questionnaires and a functional evaluation. Differences between and within the two vocational groups were analysed using independent t-test. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was used for non-parametric data. Results: Health care workers have statistically significant higher prevalence of high-risk individuals, while school- and kindergarten workers have statistically significant higher prevalence of individuals with widespread pain. Participants categorised as having high risk of long-lasting pain had statistically significant higher pain intensity and poorer self-reported and tested function compared to low-risk individuals. Conclusion: Categorisation based on pain distribution and especially risk profile has an impact on both pain intensity and function, irrespective of occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]