Prevalence, risk factors and preventive strategies in work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Israeli physical therapists

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitaly Rozenfeld ◽  
Joseph Ribak ◽  
Josepha Danziger ◽  
Judith Tsamir ◽  
Eli Carmeli
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 497-502
Author(s):  
Ruchi G Desai ◽  
Manali K Shah

Introduction: Healthcare professionals, especially those with in direct contact of patient are at the highest risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), physical therapists being one of them. Aim: Our aim was to review current knowledge relating to the prevalence, risk factors and prevention of WMSDs among physiotherapists. Method: Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for terms relating to WMSDs in Physiotherapists from inception to 2021. Result: The prevalence of WMSDs among Physiotherapist was high, with the lower back as the most frequently affected followed most often by the neck, upper back and shoulders. Knee joint was commonly affected joint in lower extremity. Multiple risk factors have been found responsible for WMSDs in physiotherapist and some of them are modifiable. Conclusion: Implementing preventive strategies for WMSDs in early stage of a physiotherapist’s career may help to prevent WMSDs and maintain good quality of treatment for patients. Keywords: Pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Prevention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Baptiste Sagahutu ◽  
A. Nuhu

Background: Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant occupational problem among physiotherapy practitioners worldwide; however, data on this problem are sparse in Rwanda.Objective: To identify the prevalence, risk factors and preventive strategies for WMSDs among physiotherapists in Kigali-Rwanda.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used among 49 physiotherapists. Data were analysed using the descriptive statistics. Ethical clearance was obtained from the IRB of University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences.Results: The prevalence of WMSDs among physiotherapists in Kigali was 77.8%. The lower back was the most affected body part (77.1%). Forty percent experienced WMSDs in their first one to five years of experience. Working in the same positions for long periods (40.0%) and treating excessive number of patients per day (31.1%) were the most perceived risk factors. The commonest identified preventive strategies were to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time 77.8% and adjust plinth or bed height 77.8. Only 31.1% stopped patients’ treatment if it caused or aggravated their WMSDs.Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSDs among physiotherapists in Kigali was high. Risk factors have been identified and vaious preventive strategies have been suggested by physiotherapists themselves and should be applied.


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean E Cromie ◽  
Valma J Robertson ◽  
Margaret O Best

Abstract Background and Purpose. Physical therapists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Little is known of how therapists respond to injury or of what actions they take to prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of WMSDs in physical therapists, contributing risk factors, and their responses to injury. Subjects. As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of 1 in 4 therapists on a state register (n=824) was surveyed. Methods. An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to each subject. Questions investigated musculoskeletal symptoms, specialty areas, tasks and job-related risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and responses to injury. Results. Lifetime prevalence of WMSDs was 91%, and 1 in 6 physical therapists moved within or left the profession as a result of WMSDs. Younger therapists reported a higher prevalence of WMSDs in most body areas. Use of mobilization and manipulation techniques was related to increased prevalence of thumb symptoms. Risk factors pertaining to workload were related to a higher prevalence of neck and upper-limb symptoms, and postural risk factors were related to a higher prevalence of spinal symptoms. Conclusion and Discussion. Strategies used to reduce work-related injury in industry may also apply to physical therapists. Increased risk of thumb symptoms associated with mobilization techniques suggests that further research is needed to establish recommendations for practice. The issues for therapists who move within or leave the profession are unknown, and further research is needed to better understand their needs and experiences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walaa Abu-Taleb ◽  
Aliaa Rehan Youssef

Abstract Background Physical therapists (PTs) are frequently exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There is limited evidence on the prevalence of these injuries and their potential risk factors in Egyptian PTs. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of WMSDs among Egyptian PTs as well as potential risk factors and therapists’ coping strategies. Further, it investigated the association between WMSDs and socioeconomic factors. Results Three hundred eighty-five eligible participants completed a survey. The prevalence of WMSDs was 99.5%. The five top affected anatomic regions were lower back (69.1%), neck (65.7%), shoulder (47.7%), wrist/hand (39.1%), and upper back (37.0%). Therapists rated awkward positions and handling of heavy patients as the most common predisposing factors for sustaining injuries. Regarding coping strategies, seeking informal help from peers to treat injuries-related symptoms and changing the posture of therapists and patients while working were mostly used by PTs. Overall, female therapists had higher injury prevalence than males (Cramer’s V < 0.5, p ≤ 0.05); except for upper back (p > 0.05). Education and working in multiple facilities simultaneously (public and private clinics) correlated significantly to sustaining injuries in the upper back (V = 0.14, p = 0.049 and V = 0.178, p = 0.002, respectively) and neck (V = 0.16, p = .019 and V = 0.142, p = 0.020, respectively). WMSDs were not associated with therapists’ experience or specialty (p > 0.05). Conclusion WMSDs injuries in PTs are prevalent in Egypt, especially in females, therapists with lower academic education, and those working in multiple facilities simultaneously.


2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 608-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Campo ◽  
Sherri Weiser ◽  
Karen L Koenig ◽  
Margareta Nordin

Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a significant impact on physical therapists, but few studies have addressed the issue. Research is needed to determine the scope of the problem and the effects of specific risk factors. Objectives The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the 1-year incidence rate of WMSDs in physical therapists and (2) to determine the effects of specific risk factors. Design This was a prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up. Methods Subjects were randomly selected American Physical Therapy Association members (N=882). Exposure assessment included demographic data, physical risk factors, job strain, and specific physical therapy tasks. The primary outcome was WMSDs, with a severity rating of at least 4/10 and present at least once a month or lasting longer than a week. Results The response rate to the baseline questionnaire was 67%. Ninety-three percent of the subjects who responded to the baseline questionnaire responded to the follow-up questionnaire. The 1-year incidence rate of WMSDs was 20.7%. Factors that increased the risk for WMSDs included patient transfers, patient repositioning, bent or twisted postures, joint mobilization, soft tissue work, and job strain. Limitations The primary limitation of this study was the number of therapists who had a change in their job situation during the follow-up year. Conclusions Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in physical therapists. Physical therapy exposures, patient handling, and manual therapy, in particular, increase the risk for WMSDs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-35
Author(s):  
Muhammad Hammad Haleem ◽  
Ikram Ali ◽  
Savera Khan ◽  
Abdullah Jehangir ◽  
Irfan Ullah

Introduction: Physical therapists are required to perform tasks that predispose them to developing work related musculoskeletal disorders. The physical therapists personal and professional life can be affected by work related musculoskeletal disorders. High level evidence is lacking regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to combine information on prevalence, risk factors and the consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists. Material & Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.Three members independently searched the databases PubMed and other online sources including google scholar for relevant data from July 2014 to September 2020. Cross-sectional studies published in English language which reported work related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists were included. Studies involving physical therapy students and internees, having insufficient information about past or current work-related musculoskeletal disorders, sample size of physical therapists less than 50 and not published in peer reviewed journals were excluded. Results: Twenty one articles were included in current systematic review. The 1-year prevalence of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists ranged from 38.5% to 97.6%. The low back was the commonest affected body part. Treating large number of patients and manual therapy were the leading risk factors for developing work related musculoskeletal disorders. The most common consequences were modifying treatment techniques and reducing work hours. Conclusion: Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders are high among physical therapists. The nature of physical therapy job presents significant risk factors which can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himan Nazari ◽  
Hossain Hossaini Mahjoob ◽  
Leili Tapak ◽  
Saideh Sadat Mortazavi ◽  
◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Pavlovic-Veselinovic

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are becoming a major problem in world economy. There is many and various risk factors that contribute to their development. Repetitive work is one of the most important risk factor. In this paper is described the body's response to repetitive strain, existing methods for evaluation/ quantification of repetition as risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. The author proposes a new multidimensional scale for rating the level of risk of repetitive work, which may be useful in the risk assessment of the workplace. Key words: ergonomics, work related musculoskeletal disorders, risk assessment.


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