Identifying musculoskeletal conditions among rural indigenous peoples.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review the methodological properties of previous musculoskeletal studies among Indigenous populations. In particular, non-rheumatic, musculoskeletal conditions of mechanical origin are examined as these appear to be commonly related to syndromes of pain and disability.


METHODS
Systematic review.


METHODS
Rural, Indigenous communities throughout the world.


METHODS
Indigenous peoples aged 16 and over living in rural communities.


METHODS
Minimum requirements for methodologically sound musculoskeletal health research according to previously published criteria.


RESULTS
Due to methodological limitations in the 14 studies reviewed, only five methodologically acceptable studies were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the paucity of methodologically sound musculoskeletal studies among Indigenous populations, the true prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in these communities remains largely unknown.
Vindigni
Dein
D
Discipline of Behavioural Science in Relation to Medicine, School of Medical Practice and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. dein@optusnet.com.au
Perkins
Janice
J
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D014943:Global Health; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000208:ethnology*; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*