WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPIST LIVING IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM One of the serious health issues amongst physical therapists (PTs) is “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders”. WMSDs are correlated to physiotherapist’s gender, age group, specialization, and work activities. Depending upon the tasks performed by the PT, different body parts are affected. The irony is that physiotherapists develop musculoskeletal disorders when they are helping their patients.The main aim of this study was to find out the musculoskeletal disorders that are work-related in physical therapists. METHODOLOGY A cross sectional survey was conducted in Lahore and D.G. Khan for those working in hospitals or private clinics to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists. For data collection, the questionnaire which was used was standard Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The sample size was calculated to be 132. Both male and female physiotherapists were included those who have minimum experience of 4 months, working in hospitals or in private clinics. RESULTS Within 12 months, absolute recognized area affected by WRMSDs was upper limb than lower limb as well as in the recent 7 days the ratio was same. The order of pain during last 12 months was Neck > Low back > upper back. The order of pain during last 7 days Low back> neck> shoulder. CONCLUSION From this study, it was concluded that Physiotherapists working in clinics have a large number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders especially neck region and low back are the most affected regions while the minimally affected one is the elbow. KEY WORDS Physical therapists, Musculoskeletal injuries, Workload, Working environment, Biomechanics, Disorders.