Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists: A systematic review

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.

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Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries in Occupational and Physical Therapists and Its Comparison

Iranian Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.18869/nrip.irj.15.1.31 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 31-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Himan Nazari ◽

Hossain Hossaini Mahjoob ◽

Leili Tapak ◽

Saideh Sadat Mortazavi ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists attributable to manual therapy

Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy ◽

10.1080/10669817.2020.1793470 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Lauren Cornwell ◽

Haley Doyle ◽

Megan Stohner ◽

Charles Hazle

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Manual Therapy ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a study protocol for extending a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-020-01403-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tsiwaye Gebreyesus ◽

Kalkidan Nigussie ◽

Moges Gashaw ◽

Balamurugan Janakiraman

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Abstract Data ◽

Size Type ◽

The Individual

Abstract Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. Method We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Gray literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., gender, sample size, type of occupation). Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported. Discussion This systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and healthcare sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, CRD42020164240

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