Association between comprehensive workstation and neck and upper-limb pain among office worker

Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the association between comprehensive workstations and neck and upper-limb pain (NUP) among office workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 307 office workers (median age, 39 years; 88% men). Workstations (presence of armrest, armrest position, number of monitors used, mouse position, mouse usage, keyboard usage, and keyboard position) were investigated in terms of 17 items and judged as "adequate" or "inadequate." NUP was assessed using a numerical rating scale. NUP locations included the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. In the statistical analysis, outcome variables were the presence of pain in each part, while explanatory variables were the number of inadequate workstations. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for age, gender, working duration, and exercise habit. Results: The prevalence of neck pain was 47% (n = 143), shoulder pain was 50% (n = 153), elbow pain was 7.2% (n = 22), and wrist pain was 13% (n = 40). In the adjusted model, the number of inadequate workstations had significant positive associations with elbow pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06.1.81) and wrist pain (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17.2.26). However, the number of inadequate workstations was not significantly associated with neck pain or shoulder pain. Conclusions: Workstation-related factors (presence of armrest, armrest position, mouse usage, and keyboard usage) were significantly associated with elbow and wrist pain. Our findings suggest that workstations can contribute to elbow and wrist pain in office workers

Effect of Pain Severity on Executive Function Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the reciprocal relationship between pain severity and executive function in community-dwelling older adults. Method: In this prospective cohort study, 64 Japanese community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older (mean age 72.8 years; women, 68.8%) were analyzed. Pain severity was assessed by self-reported questionnaire while executive function was assessed by the Trail Making Test at baseline and at 1-year follow-up assessment. A mixed effect model was conducted to analyze the effect of baseline executive function on change in pain severity and effect of baseline pain severity on change in executive function. Results: The effect of baseline Trail Making Test on change in pain severity was not significant. On the contrary, the effect of high baseline pain severity on the decline in set shifting (Trail Making Test Part B) was significant even after adjustment with age, sex, years of education, depressive symptoms, and analgesic drug use. Conclusion: Higher baseline pain severity was associated with greater executive function decline in community-dwelling older adults. Executive function decline due to severe pain should be considered as well as pain itself

Suppression by Kampo Medicines in Preneoplastic Mammary Hyperplastic Alveolar Nodules of SHN Virgin Mice

Abstract Sho-saiko-to (SST), Keishi-bukuryo-gan (KBG), and Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (SKT) are Japanese modified traditional Chinese herbal medicines (Kampo medicines) consisting of 7, 5, and 2 medical plants, respectively. It is known that the hyperplastic alveolar nodule (HAN) is a representative preneoplastic state in the mammary glands of mice. We examined the effects of SST, KBG, and SKT on the formation and growth of HAN in a high-mammary-tumor strain of SHN virgin mice. Oral administration of SST for 60 days beginning at 90 days of age reduced the number and area of HAN and mammary thymidylate synthetase activity with a reduction of serum prolactin level. There was little difference between the other experimental groups and the control in the formation and growth of HAN and the enzyme activities. These results indicate that SST may have a preventive effect on malignant mammary transformations

Effect of Pain Severity on Executive Function Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the reciprocal relationship between pain severity and executive function in community-dwelling older adults. Method: In this prospective cohort study, 64 Japanese community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older (mean age 72.8 years; women, 68.8%) were analyzed. Pain severity was assessed by self-reported questionnaire while executive function was assessed by the Trail Making Test at baseline and at 1-year follow-up assessment. A mixed effect model was conducted to analyze the effect of baseline executive function on change in pain severity and effect of baseline pain severity on change in executive function. Results: The effect of baseline Trail Making Test on change in pain severity was not significant. On the contrary, the effect of high baseline pain severity on the decline in set shifting (Trail Making Test Part B) was significant even after adjustment with age, sex, years of education, depressive symptoms, and analgesic drug use. Conclusion: Higher baseline pain severity was associated with greater executive function decline in community-dwelling older adults. Executive function decline due to severe pain should be considered as well as pain itself