Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and psychological stress in relation to musculoskeletal disorders: the Uni&PoliToPrevent study—a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of work-related disability and absenteeism. Despite their high prevalence among office workers, including university employees, little research has examined the association between MSDs, physical activity (PA), and stress in this population. This study investigates the prevalence of MSDs and their associations with PA levels and perceived stress among university employees. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among employees of the University of Turin and the Politecnico di Torino. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, MSDs (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), PA (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Negative binomial regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among 446 participants, 85.2% reported at least one MSD in the past year, most commonly affecting the neck (57.9%), lower back (47.8%), and shoulders (39.7%). No associations were found between PA and MSDs, though a trend was observed for hip/thigh disorders in participants engaging in vigorous PA (PR = 1.79, 95%CI 0.84–3.79). There was an indication of a higher occurrence of MSDs with prolonged sedentary behavior (≥ 10 h/day), though statistical significance was not reached. In contrast, perceived stress was associated with upper back disorders (moderate stress: PR = 2.34, 95%CI 1.17–4.69; high stress: PR = 3.06, 95%CI 1.27–7.34). Conclusions University employees have a high prevalence of MSDs, with stress as a significant risk factor. Further research is needed to clarify these associations and guide workplace interventions.