Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) and the associated risk factors among malaysian physiotherapists: A cross sectional study

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
• Main Author: Yi Y.Z.; Pillai S.; Ramalingam V.; Hui O.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universitatii din Pitesti 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85143485121&doi=10.7752%2fjpes.2022.11334&partnerID=40&md5=5b549d5326f2d77fb70a8e37db61ec0a

Groups in diverse environments are exposed to WRMSD including physiotherapists. There is a lack of study which evaluates the WRMSD among physiotherapists in Malaysia as studies are confined to certain geographical locations and work settings. This study investigated the prevalence of WRMSD among physiotherapists in Malaysia working in various physiotherapy settings and geographical locations. The significance of this study is increasing awareness of WRMSD among physiotherapists which will create the need for prevention strategies and ergonomic devices in various physiotherapy settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered online questionnaires consisting sections on demographic, working characteristics, occupational risk factors and Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. 387 physiotherapists were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the prevalence of WRMSD and the association between the prevalence of WRMSD and risk factors was determined by the Chi-Square test. The highest prevalence of WRMSD was at wrist-hands (65.9%), neck (52.5%), lower back (41.3%), and the least, elbow (6.2%). Gender, work settings, number of patients treated per week, manual therapy application, frequent trunk bending/twisting, excessive workload, poor ergonomic workplace, continued work with WRMSD and psychological stress were the associated risk factors, with p<0.05. There is a high prevalence of WRMSD among physiotherapists in Malaysia. Demographic data, working characteristics, and occupational risk factors are significant risk factors causing WRMSD among physiotherapists in Malaysia. These associations highlight the importance of early interventions, measures and ergonomics in future to prevent further WRMSD and improve quality of work and life among Malaysian physiotherapists. © JPES.