Katarzyna Michalak, Anna Szwaczko, Agnieszka Cieślak, Katarzyna Krekora, Tomasz Miśkiewicz, Elżbieta Poziomska-Piątkowska

K. Michalak, A. Szwaczko, A. Cieślak, K. Krekora, T. Miśkiewicz, E. Poziomska-Piątkowska – Occurrence of work-related pain syndromes and injuries due to overload of the musculoskeletal system in physiotherapists. FP 2017; 17(2); 72-81

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and injuries associated with the physiotherapy profession, as well as to analyze work activities related to professional practice predisposing to injury.
Material and methods. The study was conducted among 150 randomly selected physiotherapists. The questionnaire designed by the authors, included questions about sociodemographic data, work characteristics, the incidence of pain and injury which occurred while performing professional activities, location of the injury and the type of activity during which the injury occurred.
Results. 99% of physiotherapists reported to feel pain associated with performing job activities and 61% had suffered an injury of the musculoskeletal system that was clearly caused by their work. Injuries were most often located in the lumbosacral spine, wrist and hand as well as in the cervical spine.
Conclusions. 1. Musculoskeletal pain and injuries are an important issue among physiotherapists. 2. They are most often located in the lumbosacral spine, wrist and hand as well as in the cervical spine 3.Lifting and moving patients or equipment, performing massage and passive exercises are the most common activities related to pain development and the occurrence of injury. 4. High incidence of work-related pain and injuries results from the insufficient application of ergonomics by physiotherapists, as well as from the inadequate adaptation of the workplace. 5. To maintain and prolong the ability to work in a physiotherapy profession it is necessary to provide an appropriate ergonomics training among physiotherapists and consistent monitoring of compliance with the principles of ergonomics by superiors.

Key words:
Physiotherapy Specialty, Physiotherapist, injuries, pain, ergonomics, workplace

Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете

Download for free (only English version)