Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries in Occupational and Physical Therapists and Its Comparison

Abstract

Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most prevalent occupational diseases that are serious, fundamental and costly in nature.Methods: This analytical descriptive study included 45 individuals of occupational and physiotherapy community in Hamedan, Nahavand and Malayer cities of Iran.The standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, chi-square test, T-test and Kay Score tests. Results:Study results revealed the prevalence of MSD accounting for 65.9% (n=27) of the study population who at least had one part of their body infected. In a 12 months study period, the disorder symptoms were seen in wrist (34.1%), lumbar (31.7%), knee (29.3%), neck (26.8%), shoulder (19.5%), and back (17%). A significant relation was seen between the symptoms of the wrist and hand. This was more common among occupational therapists. The results also showed that the disorders in occupational therapists affected all the limbs, except the neck. In addition, the females were more susceptible to the disorders compared to the males.Discussion: This study confirmed the rate of prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries in occupational and physical therapists, with wrist and lumbar being the most affected. The promotion of therapist's knowledge about MSD and following ergonomic principles and new approaches in the treatment may lower or prevent MSD.

The Relationship between Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Types of Used Treatment Methods Among Iranian Physiotherapists

“…In our study, a significant statistical relationship was found between WRMDs in the wrist area and performing a manual massage, myofascial release, mobilization, muscle energy technique, and taping. This finding agrees with other studies that have linked the use of manual therapy techniques such as massage to wrists and hands symptoms [20,25,30]. Alrowayeh et al [31], however, found no significant association between job factors and increased workrelated musculoskeletal injuries.…”

“…There was a significant relationship between gender and incidence of WRMDs, which is consistent with the study of Adegoke et al They identified female gender as a factor in the development of musculoskeletal disorders [17]. However, it was against the results of Salik and Özcan, Sharhaninezhad et al, and Nazari et al [16,19,20]. Adegoke et al and Glover et al reported that in the first 5 years of employment, musculoskeletal injuries are more common [14,17].…”

“…Nazari et al (2016) conducted a study in the cities of Hamedan, Nahavand, and Malayer. They reported a prevalence rate of 58.3% among physical therapists [20]. Several studies have suggested that WRMDs have been frequently experienced by physiotherapists [21].…”

Ergonomic Assessment of Posture Risk Factors Among Iranian Workers: An Alternative to Conventional Methods

“…MSDs often engage multi-risk factors. The most important risk factors include vibration [7], poor posture, repetitive and excessive force, lifting and carrying [8][9][10][11]. The awkward posture is most important among various risk factors [12,13].…”

Assessing the Factors Predicting Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Iranian Port’s Personnel Using Regression Model

“…Those jobs with manual handling tasks are at risk of ergonomics problems [7,8]. WRMSDs are involved with various organs of the body like neck, shoulder, arms, and the back [9,10].…”