Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Prosthetic and Orthotic Professionals in India - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aim Work-related musculoskeletal disorders WMSDs are conditions in which work environment and work demands contribute significantly to musculoskeletal disorders. Exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards may lead to a higher chance of WMSD occurrence in Prosthetic and Orthotic professionals PampOs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSD and its association with sociodemographic variables and work-related hazards.Methods A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 237 working PampO professionals. Data on demographics paindiscomfort frequency of pain workplace physical and psychosocial hazards were collected. The responses of 120 participants were analysed.Results Overall prevalence rate in the participants was found to be 95 and 92 in the last 12 months and last four weeks respectively. The prevalence rate of WMSD in the low back was approximately 79 followed by the neck with 68 in the last 12 months and approximately 70 and 53 in the low back and feet ankles in the last four weeks. A significant association was reported between regular exercise job satisfaction work-life balance workload and physical hazards.Conclusion The study demonstrates a high prevalence of WMSD among PampOs working in India. Development of prevention strategies would help limit hazards and paindiscomfort in this professionals.