Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physiotherapist - A Review

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.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Indian Physiotherapists: A Narrative Review of Literature

Archives of Occupational Health ◽

10.18502/aoh.v5i2.6190 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vivek Ramanandi ◽

Anjan Desai

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Work Related ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Background: Physiotherapists (PTs) are at the highest risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because of the nature of demands from their profession. This review aims to describe current knowledge associated with the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among Indian PTs. Methods: Various electronic databases were searched for literature relating to WMSDs in PTs from India between years 2010 and 2020. Four full texts and two abstracts were selected based on the inclusion criteria and reviewed in a narrative way. Results: Overall prevalence of WMSDs among PTs was reported to be high, with lifetime prevalence as high as 91%, and the lower back, neck, upper back, and shoulders as the most frequently affected in descending order. The major risk factors reported for WMSDs were: lifting, physical load, transferring, static and awkward static postures, treating a large number of patients per day, and repetitive movements. WMSDs were reported to be associated with age, gender, and physical activity levels, with a higher prevalence in female PTs. Also the younger PTs and PTs with lower physical activity levels were reported to be more affected. Conclusion: It was inferred that the work-related injuries are not prevented by the knowledge about correct body mechanics and skills. PTs need to develop work modification strategies and mechanical aids to reduce WMSDs in without compromising the quality of treatment.

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Associations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders, quality of life, and workplace stress in physical therapists

Industrial Health ◽

10.2486/indhealth.2015-0127 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 347-353 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Young-Hyeon BAE ◽

Kyoung Sam MIN

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Workplace Stress ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: Prevalence, Severity, Risks, and Responses

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/80.4.336 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 80 (4) ◽

pp. 336-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 177

Author(s):

Jean E Cromie ◽

Valma J Robertson ◽

Margaret O Best

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Work Related ◽

State Register ◽

Related Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Systematic Sample

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.

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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Egyptian physical therapists

Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy ◽

10.1186/s43161-021-00025-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Walaa Abu-Taleb ◽

Aliaa Rehan Youssef

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Academic Education ◽

Public And Private ◽

Potential Risk Factors

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.

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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: A Prospective Cohort Study With 1-Year Follow-up

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20070127 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 88 (5) ◽

pp. 608-619 ◽

Cited By ~ 90

Author(s):

Marc Campo ◽

Sherri Weiser ◽

Karen L Koenig ◽

Margareta Nordin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Job Strain ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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.

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Work related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists; a systematic review

Rehman Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.52442/rjhs.v2i2.83 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 28-35

Author(s):

Muhammad Hammad Haleem ◽

Ikram Ali ◽

Savera Khan ◽

Abdullah Jehangir ◽

Irfan Ullah

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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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