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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Identifying musculoskeletal conditions among rural indigenous peoples
Dein Vindigni1, Janice Perkins
1Discipline 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
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.
Design:
Systematic review.
Setting:
Rural, Indigenous communities throughout the world.
Subjects:
Indigenous peoples aged 16 and over living in rural communities.
Main Outcome Measure:
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.
Conclusion:
Given the paucity of methodologically sound musculoskeletal studies among Indigenous populations, the true prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in these communities remains largely unknown.
