Musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists working in a single rehabilitation centre: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Physiotherapists are at higher risk because the major amount of their job task and duration involves physical handling and exerting force. Their tasks are generally complex and involve many physical activities that can lead to acute and chronic Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). A longitudinal survey study was conducted, in which physiotherapists working in a single rehabilitation centre were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMSQ) was used to find the prevalence and disability rate of MSD. The data were collected from a total of 250 physiotherapists, who were working in a tertiary level rehabilitation centre in an industrially developing country. On an average the physiotherapists worked for 9.45h per day for 6 days a week. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among physiotherapists was in the following anatomical areas: low back (52.55%), upper back (48.35%), wrist/hand (25.25%), and neck (20.6%). A high prevalence of WRMSD was reported among Physiotherapists working in the tertiary level rehabilitation centre.