Prevalence and Various Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain among Physiotherapists: A Survey Study

Abstract

The relationship between physical activity (forceful, repetitive movements with awkward postures) and MSDs is more complicated than just cause and effect. Most studies on the prevalence of work related MSDs (WMSDs) and their association with occupational tasks have been performed in the manufacturing sector, as outlined in comprehensive literature reviews by the National institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH). Physical activity may cause injury. Some epidemiologic studies have used statistical methods to take into account the effects of individual factors (e.g., gender, age, body mass index (BMI). Here no pathology, no movement loss, no objective signs in this syndrome. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees’ working environment. Work related musculoskeletal disorders WRMDs among physiotherapists are considered as musculoskeletal injuries that result from a work-related event. Some of the recent studies suggested that in physiotherapist population; lower back (48%), neck (33%), upper back (23%) and thumb injuries (23%) are the various injuries that have been reported as work-related injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence physical therapy can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) in physiotherapist because of nature of their profession. A cross-sectional study among physiotherapists was carried out during September to December 2014 in Co-operative College of physiotherapy, India. Purposive sampling methods which fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total number of 190 physiotherapists were checked for the musculoskeletal pain, 128 physiotherapist experienced musculoskeletal pain in past six months due to work related stress were selected for the study. Out of 128 subjects, 77 male and 54 female, of 4th year students of B.Sc. physiotherapy, interns in physiotherapy, post graduates physiotherapy students who had musculoskeletal symptoms related to work were included in the study. It was seen that the majority of the surveyed physiotherapist worked without an assistant and while long working hours forgot about the posture; the survey report says 109(83.2%) perform their duty in standing and 22(16.8%) perform in sitting. Survey also included the questions related to break interval in a day’s work, which shows majority of the physiotherapist in a day take one time break 52(39.7%). Further when asked for, before starting the physical therapy treatment does a physiotherapist perform self stretching, 122(93.1%) physiotherapist said no and very few said yes to this question. The incidence of musculosketal pain among physiotherapists was highest in low back, neck and wrist. This study also suggests of as there is increase in working hours the risk of chance of having musculoskeletal pain increases by 29%. Further research is required to build up effective and preventive or ergonomic strategies that may be applied among physiotherapist in different work settings.

Keywords: Musculoskeletol pain, physiotherapist, various risk factors

Cite this ArticleRahul Krishnan Kutty, Kidane Tadesse, Kamaraj B. Prevalence and Various Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Physiotherapists: A Survey Study. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2015; 5(3): 14–20p.