A Study on Prevalence, Risk Factors and Prevention of Work-Related Muscular Disorder among Physiotherapists

Understanding the Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders on Physiotherapists

Abstract

Physiotherapists (PTs) have a much higher-than-average prevalence, risk factors, andprevention of work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WRMDs). Their health is adversely affected bythese WRMDs, which may result in both short-term injuries and long-term impairments. Despite itswidespread occurrence, its potential dangers are little understood. Our purpose was to examine thepresent state of information about the incidence, risk factors, and preventative measures for WMSDs inthe physiotherapy profession. From its origin until 2021, Google Scholar and PubMed were combed forkeywords relevant to WMSDs in physiotherapists of different specializations. Three hundred andfourteen physiotherapists were given a semi-structured questionnaire based on those used in earlierresearch. There was a response rate of 86, with 271 completed surveys returned. The data wasanalyzed using the mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and chi-square test. There was a62.73 percent prevalence of musculoskeletal problems at work. Most people felt the pain in their lowerback (65.3), followed by their neck (41.8), and finally their shoulders (26.5). The majority oftherapists (77) said that prolonged sitting was a risk factor, while 68.2 said that seeing many patientsin a day was, and 65.8 said that bending and twisting back in unnatural postures was. Changing patientand self-postures (54.1 of respondents), altering treatment surface height (47.1 of respondents), andusing procedures that do not exacerbate or create pain (41) were common coping mechanisms. It ispossible that the incidence of WMSDs may be reduced and the quality of care for patients can bemaintained if preventative measures are put in place early in a physiotherapist's career.