0918 Physical Workload, Leisure-time Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Disorders, And Sleep Quality Among Rehabilitation Employees

Abstract

Introduction: Physical and occupational therapists work to achieve functional independence in patients, which potentially contradicts their use of lifting equipment. They are exposed to risks of heavy loads, one of the primary contributors to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Sleep may be associated with MSDs bidirectionally. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) may benefit sleep and musculoskeletal health. The objective of this study is to examine the associations of physical workload, LTPA, MSDs, and sleep quality among rehabilitation employees. Method(s): Forty physical and occupational therapists and assistants were requested to wear ActiGraph GT3x for continuously 72 hours to assess work- and leisure-time steps, energy expenditure, metabolic rate, sedentary minutes; and total sleep time, latency, and efficiency. Survey was collected on sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and MSDs (moderate, severe, or extreme pain in at least one of six body regions, including low back, shoulder, neck, knee, wrist/forearm, and ankle/feet). Result(s): Among the 40 participants (82.5% female; age 39.6 +/- 11.1 y; BMI 26.9 +/- 5.5), 55.0% reported poor sleep quality (PSQI>;;5), and 31.6% reported MSDs. Total sleep time averages 432.5 +/- 46.6 minutes; latency averages 5.2 +/- 5.1 minutes; and efficiency averages 89.6 +/- 5.4%. Participants with MSDs reported lower sleep efficiency; and borderline poorer sleep quality, more work-time energy expenditure, and more leisure- time sedentary minutes. Poor sleep quality was associated with longer sleep latency, more leisure-time energy expenditure and metabolic rate. Conclusion(s): Rehabilitation employees suffer a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and MSDs. As we expected, MSDs were associated with poor sleep quality, and MSDs were associated with physical activity at work. However, out of our expectation, poor sleep quality was associated with physical activity at leisure. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to further clarify the associations of MSDs and sleep quality with work- and leisure-time physical activities.