The results provide support for the use of these physical performance measures as a complement to patient self-report.

No abstract

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) have a significant impact on pediatric physical therapists but few studies have addressed the issue. The effects of WRMDs on productivity, quality of patient care and therapists' quality of life and long-term career plans are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of working with work-related musculoskeletal disorders on pediatric physical therapists. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 150 pediatric physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information on occurrence and consequences of musculoskeletal complaints in the previous 12 months. The response rate to the baseline questionnaire was 70.66%. Sixty five percent of the subjects who responded to the baseline questionnaire responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Ninety therapists (84.9%) had WRMDs; they noted substantial effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders at work and in their career plans. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in pediatric physical therapists. This may affect their career plans. There is a need to plans to reduce the risk of injury.