Professional experience, work setting, work posture and workload influence the risk for musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists: a cross-sectional study

Ezzatvar, Yasmín; Calatayud, Joaquín; Andersen, Lars L.; Aiguadé, Ramón; Benítez, Josep; Casaña, José

doi:10.1007/s00420-019-01468-7

Cited by 27 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…One possible explanation for these findings might be that a maximal hand-grip is a task very unlikely to be frequently carried out by PTs, so the specific task-demands of this profession might have been underrepresented. Furthermore, although manual therapy is the primary type of treatment among Spanish PTs [11] and thus upper limb strength is deemed to be essential among PTs either for manual therapy or for lifting/transferring patients, several passive techniques exist. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the relationship between hand-grip strength and work ability levels among PTs, focusing on the specific task demands of the participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…PTs are exposed to high physical demands, including sustained and awkward postures, bending, carrying, repositioning and lifting patients. Working postures and workload are associated with higher odds of having musculoskeletal pain [11]. Because musculoskeletal pain has a strong causal effect on work ability, the job physical demands could affect workers' ability to work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

Ezzatvar

Calatayud

Andersen

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs’ work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs’ muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

Ezzatvar

Calatayud

Andersen

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the leading health problems in physical therapists who are specifically facing a great risk [1]. The lifetime incidence of WRMDs among physical therapists has been stated to be 94% in Iran [2], 91.3% in Nigeria [3], 84.9% in Egypt [4], 89% in Greece [5], 53.5% in Spain [6], 47.6% in Kuwait [7], 46% in Bangladesh [8], and 55% in Australia [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The prevalence, characteristics, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – a cross-sectional study

Kakaraparthi¹,

Vishwanathan²,

Gadhavi³

et al. 2021

Med Pr

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Background: Physical therapists are known to be susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), but the prevalence of WMSDs in Saudi Arabia has not been documented. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of WMSDs among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 physical therapists in Saudi Arabia using a 6-component questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, incidence, percentages, and χ 2 test were used for data analysis. Results: The response rate was 68.8%. The reported 12-month incidence of WMSDs was 83.8%. The low back (63.7%) was the most common site of these disorders, followed by the neck (59.2%), while the hip/thigh (4.4%) was the least involved body part. Incidence was related to gender: females were more affected than males (neck, shoulders, low back); age: younger therapists were more affected than older ones (shoulders, low back); working sector: government sector workers were more affected than those employed in other sectors (neck); and specialty: orthopedic specialists were the most frequently affected, followed by those specializing in neurology (thumbs, upper back, knees, ankle/foot). Most of the physical therapists had >5 periods of neck, shoulder, and low-back WMSDs. The most important risk factor for WMSDs was treating more patients in a day (47.7%). The most frequently adopted handling strategy identified to combat WMSDS was modifying the patient's position (62.8%). Conclusions: Overall, WMSDs among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia are common, with the low back and the neck constituting the most frequently affected body regions. Professional experience and the awareness of ergonomics principles can help prevent the early development of WMSDs among physical therapists.

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“…Ezzatvar et al (10) showed in their study, which evaluated the impact of physiotherapist workload on musculoskeletal pain, that participants who deal with more than 30 patients per week had higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. Similarly, we have found in our study that the rehabilitation professionals who deal with more patients during the day had longer pain durations, higher VAS scores, higher amount of analgesic consumption per week, and higher levels of postural dysfunctions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The evaluation of postural characteristics in rehabilitation professionals and its effect on pain, quality of life, and sleep level

Şan

Güzelküçük

Tan

2021

Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine

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Aim: Rehabilitation professionals play a primary role in patients' medical procedures, leaving them in long-term, fixed, and sometimes less than optimal body positions, leading to musculoskeletal disorders in individuals. This study aims to assess the postural characteristics of the rehabilitation professionals, investigate the effects on pain, quality of life, sleep levels, and identify possible risk factors. Material and Method: Our study had 105 participants and was performed as a prospective, cross-sectional study. The demographic information of the individuals included in the study, whether they have any pain complaints related to the musculoskeletal system; if any, its localization and sleep level were evaluated. Participants were administered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Employee Quality of Life Scale. The postural status was assessed using the Corbin Posture Scale. Results: It was detected that the participants with higher Corbin Posture Scale scores had more severe pain levels assessed by VAS score (p:0.000, r:0.803), longer duration of musculoskeletal pain (p:0.000, r:0.456), and shorter daily sleep duration time (p:0.000,r:-0.424) as a result of our study. Conclusion:Postural dysfunction in rehabilitation professionals leads to many medical problems, especially musculoskeletal pain, high analgesic consumption, and sleep disturbances. As a result, there may be a reduction in quality of life. Preventive postural exercise programs can also be beneficial.

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Professional experience, work setting, work posture and workload influence the risk for musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists: a cross-sectional study

Cited by 27 publications

References 26 publications

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

The prevalence, characteristics, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – a cross-sectional study

The evaluation of postural characteristics in rehabilitation professionals and its effect on pain, quality of life, and sleep level

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