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

ABSTRACT:

Physiotherapists (PTs) have a much higher-than-average prevalence, risk factors, and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WRMDs). Their health is adversely affected by these WRMDs, which may result in both short-term injuries and long-term impairments. Despite its widespread occurrence, its potential dangers are little understood. Our purpose was to examine the present state of information about the incidence, risk factors, and preventative measures for WMSDs in the physiotherapy profession. From its origin until 2021, Google Scholar and PubMed were combed for keywords relevant to WMSDs in physiotherapists of different specializations. Three hundred and fourteen physiotherapists were given a semi-structured questionnaire based on those used in earlier research. There was a response rate of 86, with 271 completed surveys returned. The data was analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and chi-square test. There was a 62.73 percent prevalence of musculoskeletal problems at work. Most people felt the pain in their lower back (65.3), followed by their neck (41.8), and finally their shoulders (26.5). The majority of therapists (77) said that prolonged sitting was a risk factor, while 68.2 said that seeing many patients in a day was, and 65.8 said that bending and twisting back in unnatural postures was. Changing patient and self-postures (54.1 of respondents), altering treatment surface height (47.1 of respondents), and using procedures that do not exacerbate or create pain (41) were common coping mechanisms. It is possible that the incidence of WMSDs may be reduced and the quality of care for patients can be maintained if preventative measures are put in place early in a physiotherapist's career.