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. 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.