Work related musculoskeletal disorders in 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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A descriptive study on work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) among physiotherapy practitioners in Kigali city: prevalence, risk factors and preventive strategies

Nigerian Journal of Medical Rehabilitation ◽

10.34058/njmr.v20i1.173 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jean Baptiste Sagahutu ◽

A. Nuhu

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Body Part ◽

Preventive Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

High Risk Factors ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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.

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

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-150649 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 417-428 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Edgar R. Vieira ◽

Paul Schneider ◽

Casey Guidera ◽

Inae C. Gadotti ◽

Denis Brunt

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Comparison of ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dismantler and burners of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181321651256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 715-719

Author(s):

Augustine A. Acquah ◽

Clive D’Souza ◽

Bernard J. Martin ◽

John Arko-Mensah ◽

Niladri Basu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Electronic Waste ◽

Waste Recycling ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners ( p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.

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Most common ergonomic injuries among healthcare workers

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20214086 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shada M. Alharbi ◽

Abdullah K. Alghanem ◽

Hanan A. Alessa ◽

Raghad S. Aldoobi ◽

Fatimah A. Busayli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Working Hours ◽

Work Related ◽

Healthcare Settings ◽

Physical Hazards ◽

Surgical Setting

In the different healthcare settings, evidence shows that healthcare workers can be exposed to various work-related hazards, which might be ergonomics, biological, psychological, and physical hazards. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are frequently reported among the different healthcare workers, and estimates indicate that surgeons are the most commonly affected. Disorders and injuries related to the backbone, shoulders, wrist, and knees are mainly reported by healthcare workers as relevant ergonomic hazards. In the present literature review, we have discussed the commonest ergonomics that have been reported in the literature among healthcare workers. Musculoskeletal disorders as back, knee, and wrist pain are the most frequently reported among the different settings. We have also assessed the different reasons that might attribute to the development of such events, and increased workload and working hours, in addition to the harmful postures are the main reasons that have been reported in the literature. Each clinical and surgical setting might be associated with significant risk factors over others, and therefore, specific interventions should be applied within these settings to enhance satisfaction among healthcare workers. Healthcare authorities are mainly responsible to achieve this. However, further epidemiological investigations are still needed to adequately plan the righteous interventional programs.

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STUDY PROTOCOL 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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17728/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tsiwaye Gebreyesus ◽

Kalkidan Nigussie ◽

Moges Gashaw Getnet ◽

Balamurugan Janakiraman

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

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). Grey 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 health care 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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Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the footwear industry: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics ◽

10.1080/10803548.2019.1579966 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wilza Karla dos Santos Leite ◽

Anísio José da Silva Araújo ◽

Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva ◽

Leila Amaral Gontijo ◽

Elamara Marama de Araújo Vieira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Footwear Industry ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Culture of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/82.5.459 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (5) ◽

pp. 459-472 ◽

Cited By ~ 61

Author(s):

Jean E Cromie ◽

Valma J Robertson ◽

Margaret O Best

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Attitudes And Beliefs ◽

Ability To Work ◽

Potential Conflict ◽

Insight Into

Abstract Background and Purpose. Knowledge, skills, relationships, and attitudes of caring and working hard are all thought to be valued by physical therapists. This article explores how physical therapists see themselves, in light of some of these values, when they experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The article also explores the ways in which these values may compete with each other, and it suggests how this may contribute to the onset of WMSDs and to therapists' behavior following a WMSD. Subjects and Methods. Eighteen therapists who had made a career change after a WMSD participated in interviews that were designed to gain insight into the attitudes and beliefs of therapists who had had a WMSD. Results. Participants did not anticipate WMSDs, and they typically believed their physical therapy knowledge and skills would have prevented WMSDs from occurring. They saw themselves as knowledgeable and caring and indicated that these characteristics were highly valued by the profession. Their need to demonstrate these attributes sometimes resulted in behaviors that contributed to the development of their WMSDs and made them worse after their onset. Discussion and Conclusion. The cultural values of physical therapists may make it difficult for them to do their jobs in a way that minimizes the risk of WMSDs. The study identified a potential conflict between the therapists' need to (1) demonstrate their ability to work hard and care for their patients and (2) appear knowledgeable and skilled by remaining injury free.

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

International Journal of Research and Review ◽

10.52403/ijrr.20211261 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 497-502

Author(s):

Ruchi G Desai ◽

Manali K Shah

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Early Stage ◽

Work Related ◽

Multiple Risk Factors ◽

Review Current

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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