Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Athletic Trainer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Athletic trainers often work for elongated and irregular hours or days, and need to react in emergency situations. These professionals are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study investigated the WMSDs experienced by athletic trainers (ATs), plus related personal and occupational factors. METHODS A customized questionnaire with subject's demographic and WMSDs information was constructed and administered in all accessible ATs in Taiwan. In addition to descriptive analysis of demographics and WMSDs, the relationship between personal/occupational-related factors and WMSD symptoms were also evaluated. Results A total of 146 effective questionnaires were returned. The results indicated that a 48.5% prevalence rate of athletic trainers in Taiwan, and these disorders are mainly located in low back (42%), finger (38%) and shoulder (26%) regions. Logistic regression revealed that average work hour (odds ratio (OR) = 1.834, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.066-3.156) and continue education participation (OR = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.140-0.854) were the most significant predictors for WMSDs occurrence. Performing taping was the most significant predictor for the low back (OR = 28.274, 95% CI: 2.568-311.423) and finger (OR = 19.535, 95% CI:2.273-167.912) symptoms; while performing providing first aid (OR = 12.128, 95% CI:3.881-37.899) was the most significant predictor for the shoulder's. Conclusion This study revealed that athletic trainers in Taiwan area suffered from high rate of WMSDs, and the relationship between WMSDs and specific job features were reported. Preventive and therapeutic modifications of the work environment to decrease the occurrence of WMSDs are in need for athletic trainers and other similar professions. Further research examining safe patient handling ergonomics, proper equipment in the context of athletic training and professional development strategies must be pursued.

Work-Related Injury and Management Strategies Among Certified Athletic Trainers

“…The low back, hand/finger, and knee were the most often injured parts, consistent with previous studies of ATs 20 and physical and occupational therapists. 13 Overexertion injuries due to lifting and sudden movements (or reactions) are common among other health care professionals and were also frequent among these ATs.…”

“…However, the ATs in our study had a lower prevalence compared with ATs practicing in Taiwan (28.7%) 20 and a US study of physical therapists and therapy assistants (33%).…”

“…29 Patient-related activities such as immediate care and rehabilitation were common sources of injury for ATs, and this finding was consistent with a previous investigation of ATs. 20 The ATs in this study also reported injuries related to athletic event coverage, such as being hit by a ball or struck by a player on the sidelines. Transportation-related events due to operating or riding in motorized carts or vehicles were rare but tended to be more severe, requiring time off work.…”

“…Working more than 40 hours per week was associated with an increased injury risk in Taiwan ATs, 20 and injury frequency varied by practice setting in a previous study 14 of physical therapists and therapy assistants. Females and ATs practicing in school settings had higher workers' compensation claim injury rates compared with males and ATs in other settings, respectively.…”

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Despite some general knowledge of the work settings and responsibilities, 18,19 little is known about ATs' injury experiences and particularly about how ATs report and manage these injuries. The authors of a previous study 20 described self-reported injuries among 103 ATs employed in Taiwan. Half of the ATs reported an injury over the course of their entire career (48.5%).…”