Authors: Roger Persson ÅseMarie Hansen Kerstina Ohlsson Istvan Balogh Catarina Nordander Palle Ørbæk
Publish Date: 2008/11/22
Volume: 105, Issue: 4, Pages: 595-
Abstract
Differences in physiological functioning in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal cortex axis and the autonomic nervous system have been suggested to contribute to many of the health differences that may be observed between men and women as well as being relevant for the development of musculoskeletal pain To clarify whether men and women with identical work tasks reacted differently when doing work known to induce musculoskeletal pain ratings and physiological measurements were obtained at work start 1530 and at the end of the workshift 2230 on 17 men and 20 women Men showed a larger decrease in perceived energy levels during the workshift but there were no differences between men and women as regards cortisol adrenaline noradrenaline heartrate activation perceived stress pain and physical exertion In conclusion differential physiological activation during the workshift seem to be an unlikely mechanism for explaining gender differences in pain associated with exposure to awkward and repetitive movementsThis study was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council the Swedish Council for Work Life and Social Research AFA insurance the Medical Faculty of Lund University and the County Councils of Southern Sweden Ms Lothy Granquist Ms Anita Ohlsson PT Inger Arvidsson PT Jeanette Unge are acknowledged for their efforts in collecting data and skilful technical assistance Anne Abildtrup Dorrit Meincke and Ulla Tegner are acknowledged for their skilful technical assistance as regards hormonal measurements Senior researcher Bryan Cleal is acknowledged for providing instructive remarks on the writing The cooperation of participants is also gratefully acknowledged
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