BackgroundPhysical therapists working in the State of Kuwait are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, prevalence rates and risk factors are not well documented. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impacts of WMSDs among physical therapists in the State of Kuwait.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 350 physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information on occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in the previous 12 months. Descriptive statistics, frequency, and Chi-square analyses were used.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaire was 63% (222/350). Of the 212 responders included in the study, the one-year prevalence of WMSDs was 47.6%, with lower back complaints as the most common (32%). This was followed by neck (21%), upper back (19%), shoulder (13%), hand/wrist (11%), knee (11%), ankle/foot (6%), elbow (4%), and hip/thigh (3%) complaints. The frequency of WMSDs was not gender related (except lower back, neck, and shoulder complaints) nor was it related to age (except lower back complaints), working venues (except hand/wrist), working hours, area of specialty, or exercise. WMSDs' impact on work was minor.ConclusionsWMSDs among physical therapists in Kuwait were common, with lower back and neck affected most. Lower back and neck WMSDs were related to the participant's demographics. Hand/wrist WMSDs were related to work settings. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of risk factors as physical load, psychosocial load, and general health status on prevalence musculoskeletal disorders.

The Arabic version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale is a reliable, valid and responsive measure for assessing knee-related symptoms and functional limitations Implications for rehabilitation The Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale-Arabic is a reliable, valid and responsive measure for assessing knee-related functional limitations. This Arabic version can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes to assess symptoms and functional limitations in Arabic-speaking patients with knee disorders. This scale is responsive to track therapeutic outcome of Arabic-speaking patients with knee disorders.

BACKGROUND: In the US, as the demands for rehabilitation services increase, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have increased among rehabilitation practitioners. This trend has been noticed among physical therapists (PTs) in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with WMSDs among PTs in Kuwait over a 12-month period. In addition, the result compared across countries and health care professions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the PT departments at Kuwait government hospitals and schools. A total of 312 returned questionnaires (69.3% response rate) were received. RESULTS: Results showed that 149 (48%) PT respondents experienced WMSDs. The lower back and muscle spasm were the most common area of the body injured and type of injury, respectively. Manual therapy techniques and patient transfers were most common activities associated with injuries. CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of PTs with WMSDs in Kuwait was high and similar to other studies of PTs with WMSDs working in other countries. The performance of work activities was the leading risk factor for WMSDs, and WMSDs were prevalent among industrialized, industrially developing, and underdeveloped countries. Education of PTs regarding ergonomic and biomechanical principles as well as hands-on training of patient handling are the key tools to help prevent WMSDs.

The DASH-Arabic is a reliable, valid and responsive upper extremity outcome measure for patients whose primary language is Arabic; it can be used to document patient status and outcomes and support evidence-based practice. Implications for Rehabilitation The DASH-Arabic demonstrated sound psychometric properties of reliability, validity and responsiveness. It is an effective patient status and outcome tool that will support evidence-based practice. This tool is recommended for evaluating upper extremity work-related injuries and tracking therapeutic outcomes.

Objectives: The objectives of this descriptive study were to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapists regarding research, the intention to engage in research and the barriers to participating in research amongst physical therapists in the State of Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: A previously validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 non-randomly selected physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information regarding research-related activities. Descriptive statistics, frequency and χ² analyses were used in this study. Results: Of the 200 questionnaires distributed to physical therapists 122 (61%) were completed and returned. The physical therapists had a positive attitude towards reading these findings in order to update their knowledge. However, only 16 (17%) of the physical therapists participated in clinical research. The common reasons given were: minimal role and reduced ability, intention and level of engagement in initiating research, probably due to work overload, time constraints and limited access to resources. Conclusions: Physical therapists in Kuwait had a positive attitude towards the application of research findings to their practice. However, they were not confident in initiating research due to work overload and lack of time as well as limited access to library resources. Therefore, we recommend stimulation to engage in research activities to be a requirement and to develop a system to improve the skills and knowledge of doing research.