Rising incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis

What is it about?

A lack of physical activity has been extensively linked to the development and exacerbation of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs) [1, 2]. Fibromyalgia syndrome, a disorder of chronic non-articular musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, is treated with first-line addition of rehabilitation and exercise programs, before proceeding to pharmaceutical intervention [3]. Exercise can be extremely effective for this condition [3]. Despite the obvious benefits of exercise, overuse and improper form while participating in an exercise routine can lead to the onset of MSDs and joint inflammation due to overuse [4]. Quarantine and economic shutdowns due to COVID-19 has led to the creation of various exercise routines by celebrities, athletes, and lay persons, which have been distributed via social media outlets. Individuals will simply utilize a smartphone to generate a video of their favorite exercise done at home. Videos which are then posted to YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram will sometimes receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of views by people around the world who have been confined to the boundaries of their home. There is no regulation of these exercise regimens, and while many are harmless, the widespread distribution of these materials coupled with the lack of access to full gymnasium equipment and personal trainers who have been educated on proper and safe execution of exercise, raises several questions in the minds of experts in the field, such as: – For which age groups are these exercises prepared for? – If a viewer has a musculoskeletal problem such as low back pain or arthritis, what will the ramifications be for participation in these exercises? – Are there individuals who may be able to provide proper instructions and guidance for people who wish to participate in these exercise regimens? – Are there ways to manage the accuracy of exercise movements? – If physical issues arise from overuse, improper completion of exercise, or widespread distribution of generally harmful physical movements, how will providers respond to increased demand?

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Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Therefore, we call for the creation of a set of guidelines for the lay person to utilize in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines could provide exact time and intensity recommendations tailored to the sedentary reality of the COVID19 shutdown, adjusting previous recommendations. Additionally, they could shed light on which activities may be prone to the development of overuse injuries or the onset of low back pain. We hope that by creating a ‘new-normal’ paradigm for home fitness, practitioners can mitigate MSDs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perspectives