Background: Physiotherapists are known to be prone to Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) but its prevalence among physiotherapists in Nigeria has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Objectives This study investigated the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work ability among nurses in South-west Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 135 nurses (126 females and 9 males) in tertiary, secondary, and private hospitals in Lagos state using 2 validated standard self-administered questionnaires. The instruments captured information on personal characteristics, and reported on WMSDs and work ability using the Modified Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Work Ability Index (WAI). Results The point and 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was 95 (70.4%) and 81 (60%) among respondents, respectively. Lower back pain (35, (43.2%) was the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Approximately half of the respondents (64 (47.4%) reported good work ability, and 125 (92.6%) reported that work ability was physically and psychologically demanding. The results showed a significant association between sex ( p = 0.047) work status ( p = 0.020) and work ability. There was no significant association between the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs and work ability of nurses in Lagos state ( p = 0.406). Conclusions This study indicated good work ability, but a high prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in Lagos state. The job risk factors mostly reported by nurses were working in awkward and cramped positions. Furthermore, the work ability of nurses in Lagos state had no influence on the prevalence of WMSDs.

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Objectives Smartphone addiction has been indicated to reduce the craniovertebral angle, thereby causing a forward head posture and increasing scapular dyskinesis. This study determined the correlation among smartphone addiction level, craniovertebral angle, scapular dyskinesis, and selected anthropometric variables in physiotherapy undergraduates. Methods Seventy-seven participants were recruited from the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, through a purposive sampling technique. The smartphone addiction level was assessed with the short version Smartphone Addiction Scale (English version). Craniovertebral and scapular dyskinesis were assessed using the photographic method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data at an alpha level of 0.05. Results The analysis in this study revealed that many undergraduates are addicted to using smartphones. There was no significant difference in the addiction level (p = 0.367) and in scapular dyskinesis (p = 0.129) between male and female participants. However, there was a significant difference in craniovertebral angle (p = 0.032) between male and female participants. There was a significant relationship among smartphone addiction, craniovertebral angle (r = 0.306, p = 0.007), and scapular dyskinesis (r = 0.363, p = 0.007) in male and female participants. Conclusion A high level of smartphone addiction reduces the craniovertebral angle and increases scapular dyskinesis. Therefore, the smartphone addiction level should be assessed in all patients with neck and shoulder pain to plan appropriate management.

BackgroundBasketball is the second most popular sport in Nigeria after football and is commonly played by adolescents. Prospective studies on adolescent basketball players in Nigeria are lacking. Such studies will help to develop injury counter-measures. Hence, this study aimed at determining the incidence and pattern of injuries among adolescent basketball players in Nigeria.MethodsA prospective observational study involving 141 adolescent basketball players (75 boys and 66 girls; with age range 15 – 18 years) who participated in the 2010 National Finals of the Nigeria Nestlé Milo Basketball Competition. Basketball-related injury data were collected by an assessor during the competition using a standardized basketball injury report form. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsA total of 32 injuries were recorded with an incidence of 22.7 injuries per 100 participants same for boys and girls. This is equivalent to 1.1 injury per match for boys and 0.9 injuries per match for girls. Jumping/landing was the most common cause of injury (28.1%, N = 9). Most of the injuries were at the lower extremities (75%, N = 24); with majority at the knee joint (40.6%, N = 13). Ligament sprain was the most common types of injury. The pattern of injuries among boys did not significantly differ from that of girls (P > 0.05). Most injuries (N = 13, 41%) occurred in the offensive half of the court and cryotherapy was the most frequently used treatment modality.ConclusionThe overall incidence of match injury among adolescent amateur basketball players during a national competition in Nigeria was 22.7 injuries per 100 participants; equivalence of 1.0 injury per match. The pattern of injuries was similar in both genders and consistent with what has been previously reported in literature for adolescent basketball players. Exercise-based injury prevention programmes aimed at improving core strength and neuromuscular control at the lower limbs may help reduce the incidence of injuries.