Abstract
BackgroundPhysical therapists (PTs) are frequently exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There is limited evidence on the prevalence of these injuries and their potential risk factors in Egyptian PTs. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of WMSDs among Egyptian PTs as well as potential risk factors and therapists’ coping strategies. Further, it investigated the association between WMSDs and socioeconomic factors.ResultsThree hundred eighty-five eligible participants completed a survey. The prevalence of WMSDs was 99.5%. The five top affected anatomic regions were lower back (69.1%), neck (65.7%), shoulder (47.7%), wrist/hand (39.1%), and upper back (37.0%). Therapists rated awkward positions and handling of heavy patients as the most common predisposing factors for sustaining injuries. Regarding coping strategies, seeking informal help from peers to treat injuries-related symptoms and changing the posture of therapists and patients while working were mostly used by PTs. Overall, female therapists had higher injury prevalence than males (Cramer’s V < 0.5, p ≤ 0.05); except for upper back (p > 0.05). Education and working in multiple facilities simultaneously (public and private clinics) correlated significantly to sustaining injuries in the upper back (V = 0.14, p = 0.049 and V = 0.178, p = 0.002, respectively) and neck (V = 0.16, p = .019 and V = 0.142, p = 0.020, respectively). WMSDs were not associated with therapists’ experience or specialty (p > 0.05).ConclusionWMSDs injuries in PTs are prevalent in Egypt, especially in females, therapists with lower academic education, and those working in multiple facilities simultaneously.
Highlights
Physical therapists (PTs) are frequently exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries or illnesses resulting from increased occupational demands and may adversely affect the neuromusculoskeletal system
This study investigated the prevalence of WMSDs in an adequate sample of Egyptian PTs
Summary
Physical therapists (PTs) are frequently exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries or illnesses resulting from increased occupational demands and may adversely affect the neuromusculoskeletal system These injuries may manifest as pain, soreness, impairment, and dysfunction secondary to damaged muscle, ligament, cartilage, or other connective tissues. As the etiology of WMSDs is multifactorial and may be influenced by the practice and infra-structures of different clinical settings in various countries, identifying potential physical risk factors relevant to a particular setting (e.g., Egyptian health care system) could guide mechanistic research and help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies [27] This in turn is expected to reduce illness-related absenteeism, improving work productivity, and reduce the socioeconomical burdens associated with WMSDs [17]
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