Research progress on correlation between circadian rhythm disturbance and work-related musculoskeletal disorders

• Published in: Huan jing yu zhi ye yi xue = Journal of environmental & occupational medicine Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 319 - 324
• Main Authors: Lai, Lichong, Tao, Pinyue, Fan, Dejing, Lu, Shuyu, Peng, Jie, Huang, Huiqiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: Shanghai Shanghai Municipal Center For Disease Control and Prevention 2025; Editorial Committee of Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine
• Subjects: circadian clock; Circadian rhythm; Circadian rhythms; Disruption; Environmental factors; Metabolic disorders; Metabolism; Musculoskeletal diseases; Phenotypes; Shift work; work-related musculoskeletal disorder; Working conditions; Workload
• ISSN: 2095-9982
• DOI: 10.11836/JEOM24330

Circadian rhythm refers to the 24-hour periodic changes in behavior, physiology, and molecular processes in the human body. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm not only affect mental health but are also associated with various metabolic disorders, including the regulation of bone and muscle metabolism. Research has shown that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are influenced not only by workload but also by circadian rhythm factors, such as shift work. This review examined the relationships between circadian rhythm-related antecedents, outcomes, and WMSDs, exploring their shared metabolic markers and mechanisms. It provided a systematic overview of the intrinsic connection between circadian rhythm disruptions and WMSDs. While current studies highlight the impact of circadian rhythm disturbances on musculoskeletal disorders, further investigation is required to address the confounding factors involved. Future research should integrate chronobiology with both subjective and objective data to explore the pathway from environmental factors to intermediate phenotypes to diseases, ultimately providing a more comprehensive understanding of the network mechanisms underlying WMSDs.