Ergonomic risks and problems of the musculoskeletal system for physiotherapists: comparison of employees in the fields of pediatric and adult care

ABSTRACT

Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the ergonomic risk levels, musculoskeletal complaints and quality of life of physiotherapists (PTs) according to their field of work. Methods. A total of 107 volunteer PTs participated in the study, whose information was recorded. Ergonomic risk levels were determined using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Complaints about the musculoskeletal system of PTs were evaluated with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham health profile. Results. PTs who worked with pediatric patients (Group_pediatric; n = 47) were younger (p<0.001). PTs who worked with adult patients (Group_adult; n = 60) had a higher daily number of patients (p<0.001). The REBA score did not make a difference between the groups (p = 0.379). The difference was found in the upper back region of the CMDQ (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups for quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusions. Group_pediatric may be working in ergonomically demanding positions, although there is no statistical difference. The injury sites of the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, the reflection of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life does not show any difference between the groups of PTs.

KEYWORDS:

• physiotherapist
• ergonomics
• pediatrics
• musculoskeletal system
• quality of life

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all of the PTs who participated in the research and supported them during the data collection phase.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.