Ergonomic Factors Research Articles

Musculoskeletal Disorders in COVID-19 Surveillance Staff Members: An Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies

Aims/Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the COVID-19 surveillance staff members experienced an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, it is necessary to further investigate the causal factors stemming from COVID-19 surveillance work, especially nucleic acid testing, and establish their relationship with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by building upon the previous research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and the major risks faced by the COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used to evaluate ergonomic factors, musculoskeletal symptoms and pressure among 131 COVID-19 surveillance staff members in four hospitals in South-central Henan Province. Additionally, data regarding the coping strategies adopted by the respondents for lowing the risk of developing WMSDs were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Results The QEC results showed that the back, neck, and should/arm of the COVID-19 surveillance staff members bore high ergonomic loads, while the wrist suffered a medium load. The neck (75.6%), shoulder (66.4%), upper back (58%), and wrist (55.7%) were at higher risk for musculoskeletal disorder. Most of the respondents claimed a low sense of achievement (124, 94.7%) and slightly less than half of them had endured emotional exhaustion at work (61, 46.6%). Prolonged period of maintaining the same posture at work, awkward bending or twisting of back side, task repetition and so on were the perceived job risk factors precipitating WMSDs among the participants in this study. The top three coping strategies for lowering the risk of WMSDs included adjusting the plinth/bed height (49.6%), utilizing different parts of the body at work (47.3%), and taking short breaks when required (33.6%). Conclusion Prolonged large-scale nucleic acid detection can aggravate the musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist in COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Prevention measures for musculoskeletal injuries factors must be in place to deter such incidence at work.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Risk Factors in Iranian Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. WRMSDs are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. We investigated the exposure to ergonomic risk factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among military personnel in the workplace. Method: We aimed to investigate MSDs by conducting electronic searches on Persian databases such as SID, MagIran, and IranMedex, and English databases like PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus. The search was not restricted by time and was conducted until Dec 20, 2021. Two researchers independently extracted the data, and the quality of the research was evaluated using the STROBE checklist. The results of different studies were merged and incorporated into the analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) v3 software. Results: Eleven qualitative studies found that 92% of the respondents were men (83% to 96%). The mean age was 34.17 ± 0.16 yr, with a confidence interval (of 95% CI:33.85-34.48). The mean BMI was 25±0.39 with a confidence interval of 95% CI:24.28-25.84. The mean work record was 12.89±0.81 yr with a confidence interval of 95% CI:11.30-11.48. The highest outbreak of MSDs is in the knee at 38.1% (95%CI:32.1-44.4), 37.6% of the neck (95% CI:24.8-52.5), and 32.5% of the shoulder. (95%CI:22.5-44.3) was observed. Conclusion: The wide role of various dimensions of work tasks and repetitive tasks (such as lifting, moving or changing positions, standing for long periods, as well as improper postures) in causing WRMSDs. Additionally, the risk factor in the workplace has financial implications for the military organization. The reduction of physical and psychological demands, as well as the improvement of ergonomic standards in the workplace, should be addressed to decrease MSDs in military centers.

Global burden of low back pain and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2021: a comprehensive analysis from the global burden of disease study 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the evolving trends in the global burden of low back pain (LBP) from 1990 to 2021 and predicted disease burden until 2035.Materials and methodsLBP-related data were obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) query tool. All estimates and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool in Global Burden of Disease, Injury, and Risk Factor Study (GBD) 2021. Data processing and visualization were conducted using The R Programming Language software version 4.3.2 and Joinpoint 4.7.ResultsIn 2021, approximately 628.8 million people worldwide were affected by LBP, with approximately 266.9 million new incident cases and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 3176.6 per 100,000. Compared with 1990, although the ASIR and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDALYsR) decreased, absolute numbers increased significantly. Projections for 2035 reveal a continued decline in ASIR and ASDALYsR for LBP. The LBP burden varied by the sociodemographic index quintile and GBD region, with the highest ASIR and ASDALYsR observed in Central Europe and the greatest decrease in East Asia. Globally, women bear a higher burden of LBP than men, with middle-aged populations experiencing the heaviest burden. Occupational ergonomic factors, high body mass index, and smoking remain the primary risk factors for LBP, with occupational ergonomic factors contributing the most to the overall burden.ConclusionDespite a projected decline in incidence, the global burden of LBP persists, exhibiting significant regional and gender disparities. To mitigate its future burden, precise and effective prevention and control strategies targeting high-risk factors are imperative.

Ergonomic factors and performance of academics in public universities in Nigeria

Ergonomic factors and performance of academics in public universities in Nigeria

Ergonomics & Human factors: fade of a discipline

In this commentary, we argue that the field of Ergonomics and Human Factors (EHF) has the tendency to present itself as a thriving and impactful science, while in reality, it is losing credibility. We assert that EHF science (1) has introduced terminology that is internally inconsistent and hardly predictive-valid, (2) has virtually no impact on industrial practice, which operates within frameworks of regulatory compliance and profit generation, (3) repeatedly employs the same approach of conducting lab experiments within unrealistic paradigms in order to complete deliverables, (4) suggests it is a cumulative science, but is neither a leader nor even an adopter of open-science initiatives that are characteristic of scientific progress and (5) is being assimilated by other disciplines as well as Big Tech. Recommendations are provided to reverse this trend, although we also express a certain resignation as our scientific discipline loses significance. Practitioner Summary: This paper offers criticism of the field of Ergonomics. There are issues such as unclear terminology, unrealistic experiments, insufficient impact and lack of open data. We provide recommendations to reverse the trend. This article concerns a critique of EHF as a science, and is not a critique of EHF practitioners.

Evaluation of tomato farmworker upper limb ergonomic risk factors

Research on musculoskeletal disorders among tomato farmworkers is limited. This pilot study aims to generate insights and preliminary data on tasks performed by tomato farmworkers at a demonstration test plot, evaluating associated ergonomic risk factors. A demonstration test plot was constructed to simulate tasks performed by tomato farmworkers. Muscle activity in the anterior deltoid and upper trapezius was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) and compared among tasks. The intensity of physical activity during stake pounding, bucket tossing, and tying tasks was monitored using a GT9X activity monitor. Non-parametric ANOVA revealed that the upper trapezius exhibited the highest muscle activity in all tasks (p < 0.05). Stake pounding showed the highest muscle activity, peak loads, and the most intense physical activity. Future studies will focus on assessing tomato farmworker activities over longer shifts and evaluating the impact of posture, fatigue, and energy expenditure on the risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorder During Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Venous Cannulation.

Acutely sick patients can receive emergency intravenous access through central venous cannulation to administer fluids and medicines, perform haemodynamic monitoring and extracorporeal therapies, including plasmapheresis or haemodialysis. Using the Seldinger procedure, access is gained by percutaneous puncture, frequently guided by ultrasonography into the femoral, subclavian or internal jugular veins. This study aimed to identify ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in operators performing ultrasonography-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation at various table heights and probe orientations. Sixty emergency medicine residents participated in a cross-sectional study conducted by the Emergency and Trauma Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Participants were instructed to perform the cannulation at two distinct table heights and with two distinct probe orientations. To compute the ergonomic risk score, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was used. The table height of 0.5 elbow factor with varied probe resulted in a median REBA score of 5.0, whereas the table height of 0.7 elbow factor with varied probe had a median REBA score of 4.0. All four positions exhibited medium risk for MSDs. This study showed that the table height of 0.7 elbow factor is more ergonomically favourable while still imposed medium risk for MSDs.

Assessment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among heavy vehicle drivers.

Professional driving requires long hours of work, uncomfortable seats, negotiating rough terrain and highways, and possibly minor repairs and other auxiliary transportation duties. Heavy vehicle drivers driving vehicles such as trucks, bulldozers, etc. due to such working structures are more prone to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, which is of great concern. In the present study, it is planned to investigate possible ergonomic risk factors such as age, weight, driving exposure, seat suspension systems, lifting heavy weights causing MSDs in drivers of various heavy vehicles. The results of the study are expected to help drivers reduce the risk of MSDs. For the present study, the Nordic questionnaire on musculoskeletal disorders was modified and standardized and was administered to the 48 heavy vehicle drivers randomly selected to collect the data. The analysis divulged that over the past 12 months, lower back pain (LBP) emerged as the most dominant pain experienced by 56% of drivers, followed by knee pain (KP) (43%) and neck pain (NP) (39%) respectively. The prevalence of shoulder pain (SP) was observed to be much lower than in previous literature. The logistic regression model further revealed that increasing age, poor suspension system and poor body posture were significantly associated with lower back pain. Additionally, a poor suspension system and lifting heavy weights had significant effect on the drivers' knee pain. The results demonstrated the evident necessity for ergonomic consideration in vehicle designing and ergonomic training for heavy vehicle drivers.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis as an occupational disease in agricultural worker: A case report.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is upper-limb disorder, more frequent in women. It is rarely recognized as an occupational disease. In this paper we reported work related de Quervain's tenosynovitis in cow milker. Ergonomic risk factors were assessed by utilizing assessment of repetitive tasks (ART) of the upper limbs method. Physical examination and imaging exams were used. We presented a 36-year-old female agricultural worker (workplace cow milker) exposed to work factors (forceful hand/wrist exertions, repetition, extreme postures) for 14 years. She was suffering the pain in the right hand, mainly near the thumb for few years. She was treated conservatively and surgically, however disability was permanent. Clinical examination showed slight edema of the right hand, increased palm's sweating. Patient had reduced range of movements and grip strength. Report shows that work-related factors were strongly associated with diagnosed de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Hand function plays an essential role in carrying out activities of daily living and this disorder pose a relevant burden of disease. Exposure to biomechanical factors should be an important initial target for the prevention of De Quervain's tenosynovitis in the working population.

A novel human-centered methodology for assessing manual-to-collaborative safe conversion of workstations

The Industry 5.0 paradigm places workers’ well-being and safety at the core of the production processes. Despite its objectives, the current industry still faces several challenges. Examples of these challenges include global market pressures for customized products, along with the significant occurrence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and the ageing workforce. These challenges underscore the persistent need for human-centered solutions, allowing adaptations that align with humans’ physical and cognitive constraints. Collaborative robots offer a promising solution, with the potential to enhance workers’ well-being, while maintaining safety, productivity, and production process flexibility. This study introduces a novel methodology designed to assess the feasibility of converting manual tasks into collaborative ones. During the development of the methodology, a focus group approach was used, comprising 6 experts in the field of Ergonomics & Human Factors and Robotics. The proposed methodology is suitable for the identification of tasks appropriate for joint execution by humans and robots, thereby augmenting the effectiveness of the robotic solution. This methodology incorporates a set of indicators (physical and cognitive ergonomics, health and safety, and operational efficiency) and technical requirements. The results of the focus group allowed the improvement of the suggested methodology. For its testing, we applied across 13 manual workstations in 5 companies from different manufacturing sectors (civil construction, cutlery, furniture, and automotive fabric manufacturing). Results show that it is possible to comprehensively identify manual workstations/tasks with good and high potential to convert into collaborative systems. This methodology seems to constitute a relevant approach to support the conceptualization of collaborative workstations.

Musculoskeletal Health Problems Among the Loom Weavers of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh

Loom industry in Bangladesh is the foremost imperative &amp; antiquated house industry with a decentralized setup. The industry is giving vocation for millions of individuals within the nation. The target populace includes weavers over northern Bangladesh. The ponder secured a sizable number of population i.e, 208 subjects in Enayetpur and Madhabpur village, Sirajganj. To ensure representativeness, a non-probability convenience technique was utilized to choose a test estimate of 208 members. To be qualified for the study, members were chosen who had minimum two years of experience. Male were predominant (96.2%) among the respondents. Monthly income showed that major part (48.1%) of the respondents fell in 10-15thousand BDT category. Majority (63.5%) of waste disposal strategy taken after by the wok-places was landfilled. What's really interesting is that many respondents reported having musculoskeletal problems; lower back pain (59.6%) was the most frequently reported one. These health issues were connected to weaving activities because they involve lots of repetitive movements with hands, shoulders, legs, and other parts. Most health concerns in this field came from ergonomic risk factors. Future research should aim to include diverse populations and explore interventions that can mitigate these ergonomic risks, ultimately improving the well-being of this vital workforce in Bangladesh's loom industry. Keywords: Bangladesh, Sirajganj, musculoskeletal, health, loom, weavers

Ergonomics, Students’ Well-being, and Technology-Enhanced Learning at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. In the context of students in the 21st century, ergonomics is important because of the increasing amount of time that students spend using technology, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Poor ergonomics can lead to physical discomfort, pain, and even long-term injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems. This article assessed the relationship between students, some ergonomic factors they may come into contact with during their stay at the university, and how the relationship can be improved. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. All the undergraduate students from the faculty of sciences formed the population of the study. 357 students were randomly selected to participate in the study. The determination of the sample size was guided by Research Advisors (2006). An instrument titled “Ergonomics and Students’ Health” was developed and used for data collection. It was validated, and it was used to conduct a pilot study. A reliability index of 0.98 was obtained using Chrombach Alpha at the 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results from the study found that most of the students do not see ergonomics as a factor of concern. A negative relationship was also found between ergonomics and students’ health conditions at the university. It was concluded that ergonomics is a silent issue with numerous negative health effects that needs urgent responses from both students and university management. It was therefore recommended that the university management take the necessary measures to improve the ergonomic conditions of its students.

STUDI TATA LETAK KETERANGAN (LABEL) DISPLAY PAMERAN DI MUSEUM TEKSTIL JAKARTA

The Indonesian Textile Museum is one of the museums in Jakarta that stores thousands of collections of Nusantara wastra. The Textile Museum functions as a place to preserve, store, exhibit, and publicize wastra or ancient fabrics from various regions, and become a means of education for visitors to get to know traditional Indonesian fabrics. In order for information about traditional fabrics in the Textile Museum to be conveyed well to visitors, one of the factors that play an important role is the layout of the museum display information (label). Labels on exhibition displays have an important role because they become a bridge of communication between the products on display and the visitors who see. Therefore, the layout of the display information must be taken seriously, by applying ergonomics, anthropometry, and typography factors. This study aims to determine the label layout system on displays at the Textile Museum, associated with the application of ergonomics, anthropometry, and typography factors. The method used is descriptive qualitative with ergonomics and anthropometry approach to analyze the display label layout system. The results showed that the position of the product description label had not fully applied ergonomic and anthropometric factors, as well as the selection of fonts and sizes that caused the product description to be less legible.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal System Problems In Healthcare Professionals Working In Central Sterilization Unit

This study was conducted to determine ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal system problems in healthcare professionals working in the central sterilization unit. The study is of descriptive cross-sectional type. The sample of the study consisted of 87 health professionals working in the central sterilization unit of seven hospitals of a private health group in Istanbul. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method using the sociodemographic characteristics form, the validated and reliable Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Disorders Scale (ERKISO) and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Scale (T-CMDQ) between February and September 2020. Factor analysis, descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, post-Hoc analysis test and correlation test were used in the evaluation of the data. The level of significance was accepted as p

Think Human: exploring the exhibition of ergonomics to enhance education and engagement: establishing the CIEHF 75th anniversary exhibition

The field of ergonomics and human factors (E/HF) has an urgent need for increased uptake of specialists to meet the growing demands of the sector and related industries employing ergonomists. In the absence of E/HF being part of the school curriculum, one way of achieving this is through public engagement activities. Specialists in E/HF are motivated by understanding people and interactions, inherent qualities in outreach and engagement, so we are well placed to practice what we preach by understanding our own users, the consumers of our science. In this paper, we present a curriculum map and museum exhibition model as part of ongoing work to develop a public exhibition, called ‘Think Human’, hosted at the Museum of Making in Derby, England, from September 2024, as part of ongoing work in timely celebration of the 75th anniversary of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Examining the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students

BackgroundStudents are among the groups that use smartphones for long periods throughout the day and night. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students.MethodsThis study included 204 university students, selected based on their willingness to participate and inclusion criteria. Participants reported hand pain and discomfort by completing the Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Personal information was collected through a demographic questionnaire. Smartphone characteristics were obtained from the Internet based on the smartphone model self-reported by students.ResultsAccording to the Cornell questionnaire, 59.3% of students reported experiencing discomfort in their right hand, while 38.2% reported discomfort in their left hand due to smartphone use. Furthermore, 36.3% of students reported experiencing pain in two or more regions on their right hand, while 20.1% reported pain in two or more areas on their left hand. More than half of the students in the right hand (53.5%) and more than one-third (33.3%) in the left hand obtained pain scores of more than 1.5. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant relationship between the weight of the smartphone and the prevalence of discomfort in the right hand (χ2 = 4.80, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the discomfort or pain scores experienced in both hands and the number of painful areas in those hands (right hand: χ2 = 219.04, p = 0.00; left hand: χ2 = 213.13, p = 0.00).ConclusionsSmartphone use can cause discomfort and pain in the hands of university students. The physical characteristics of the smartphone, such as its weight, play a significant role in contributing to right-hand-related pain among students. It is important to consider ergonomic factors in smartphone design and usage to reduce musculoskeletal problems among users, especially students.

The Impact of Occupational Ergonomics on the Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Tailoring Professions: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting individuals across various occupations, including tailoring. Tailors often engage in prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and awkward postures, which can contribute to the development of LBP. This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of occupational ergonomics on the prevalence of LBP in tailoring professions. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024. Studies that examined the relationship between ergonomic factors and LBP among tailors were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings consistently demonstrated a significant association between poor ergonomic conditions and an increased prevalence of LBP among tailors. Prolonged sitting, awkward postures, repetitive movements, and inadequate workstation design were identified as key risk factors. Additionally, the review highlighted the positive impact of ergonomic interventions, such as adjustable workstations and training programs, in reducing the prevalence and severity of LBP. Conclusion: This systematic review provides compelling evidence that occupational ergonomics plays a crucial role in the prevalence of LBP among tailors. Implementing ergonomic interventions and promoting proper work practices can significantly reduce the burden of LBP in this population, leading to improved worker health and productivity.

Prevalence of Lower Back Pain and Associated Workplace and Ergonomic Factors among Mineworkers in a Nickel Mine, Zimbabwe

Lower back pain is a common occurrence among mine workers due to the nature of their work. Globally, workplace (occupational) and ergonomic risk factors have been reported to influence the prevalence of lower back pain among workers. This study aimed to determine ergonomic risk factors associated with lower back pain and associated risk factors (workplace and ergonomics) among mineworkers in a nickel mine in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and participants were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire that included the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ). A total of 420 mine workers were interviewed, with the majority being male (n = 259, 61.7%) and aged between 31 and 44 years old (n = 159, 37.9%). The study found that the prevalence of lower back pain was 41.43% (n = 174). Several risk factors were found to be associated with lower back pain, including working overtime (AOR = 1.13, p &lt; 0.01; 95% CI: 0.07–0.22), performing repetitive tasks (AOR = 8.06, p &lt; 0.01; 95% CI: 4.67–13.93), bending (AOR = 7.77, p &lt; 0.01; 95% CI: 3.97–15.22), and twisting (AOR = 3.32, p &lt; 0.01; 95% CI: 1.83–6.03). Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ergonomic risk assessment and prevention program be implemented, which should include educational awareness about lower back pain and its prevention among mine workers.

Impact of Ergonomics Practices on Commercial Banks’ Employee Performance in Nepal: Evidence from Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Organizations today face multiple challenges to maintain the health and performance of employees. Ergonomics is a strategy to reduce occupational disease rates and improving general working conditions for employees in order to improve productivity. Despite the importance of ergonomics in workplace, research in this field is needed to be explored more. It is well practice in world but still new concept in Nepal. Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate “Impact of Ergonomics Practices on Commercial Banks’ Employee Performance in Kathmandu Valley”. Method: The Exploratory research design was adopted for the study with the foundation of Theory of Ergonomics. The population of this study consists of commercial banks’ employee in Kathmandu valley. Under the probability sampling technique, simple random sampling using structured questionnaire 203 responses are collected with the help of KOBO toolbox. SEM is used to analyse the impact of ergonomics practice in commercial Banks of Nepal. The data was statistically examined using descriptive and inferential analysis utilizing the structured questionnaire approach and the KOBO toolbox. Result: This study finds that ergonomics practice in Nepalese commercial bank as at infant stage. Physical ergonomics factor such as, work design area, thermal comfort, furniture, work hours, lighting has significant effect on employee performance respectively. Physical exhaustion, mental stress, back pain are most frequent problems faced by bankers. Mitigation over this problem by designing employee compatible workplace and adopting ergonomics intervention reduce mental stress, physical exhaustion, back pain and fatigue and motivates the employee and increase their performance. Conclusion: Ergonomics adoption on workplace to enhance the productivity level by reducing health related problem and building employee friendly work environment is milestone to enhance employee performance. Based on the finding and conclusion, the study recommends that work area design, thermal comfort, space, lighting should be considered while designing employee compatible workplace to enhance employee performance in Nepalese Commercial banks’ employee. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Ergonomics, Employee Performance, Employee productivity, Employer health issue, Banks. JEL Classification: C13, C83, I12, J28, J81

Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work among Slovenian Physiotherapists: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders at work (MSDWs) remain the most common health problem in the European Union, particularly in Slovenia, where the prevalence of MSDWs is slightly above the European average. Despite the extensive literature on MSDWs in the health sector, there is little research on physiotherapists (PTs), especially in Europe. Our previous study showed a high prevalence of MSDWs among PTs, with the lower back, neck, and shoulder being the most affected. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDWs among Slovenian PTs, ergonomic factors, and the association between MSDWs and demographics and MSDWs and ergonomic risk factors. METHODS: The survey covered Slovenian PTs working in different health-care settings, using a non-randomized snowball sample. 198 PTs participated, after excluding 22 incomplete questionnaires, 176 PTs remained in the final sample. Data were collected through questionnaires covering demographics, ergonomic risk factors, and the incidence of pain and discomfort in the body. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of MSDWs among 176 FTs was 97.7%. The most affected body regions were the neck (79.5%), upper back (59.2%) and lower back (51.7%). The 1-year prevalence of MSDWs was 94.9%, with the highest prevalence in the upper back (69.3%), neck (66.5%) and lower back (64.3%). The study identified a weak negative association between the prevalence of MSDWs and factors such as age, working life, and job satisfaction across various body regions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey confirm a high prevalence of MSDWs among Slovenian PTs, which is comparable to European surveys. Key risk factors include ergonomic load and demographic variables. These data highlight the need to improve working conditions and ergonomic measures in physiotherapy practice. The study contributes to a better understanding of MSDWs among PTs in Slovenia and provides a basis for further research and interventions to reduce the risk of MSDWs.