Ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in clinical physiotherapy

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to objectively quantify and evaluate the ergonomic risk of clinical physiotherapy practices and evaluate physiotherapists for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and pain.MethodsTwenty-nine physiotherapists in the rehabilitation department of a large-scale tertiary hospital were recruited in this study. The sampling period lasted for 2 weeks for each physiotherapist and interval sampling was adopted to avoid duplication of cases. Therapist posture during physiotherapy was captured, tracked and analyzed in real time using structured light sensors with an automated assessment program. The quantification of ergonomic risk was based on REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and the RPE (perceived physical exertion) scores of the therapists were recorded before and after treatment, respectively.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-four clinical physiotherapy cases were recorded, of which 49.6% were high risk and 33% were very high risk, with none of the cases presenting negligible risk. The positioning (p < 0.001) of physiotherapist had a considerable impact on ergonomic risk and pediatric physiotherapy presented a higher risk to physiotherapists than adults (p < 0.001). The RPE score of physiotherapist after performing physiotherapy was greater than before physiotherapy and was positively correlated with the REBA distribution.ConclusionOur study creates an automatic tool to assess the ergonomic risk of physiotherapy practices and demonstrates unacceptable ergonomic risk in common practices. The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and pains recommends that rehabilitation assistance devices should be optimized and standard ergonomic courses should be included in physiotherapists' training plans.

Ergonomic Assessment of Septorhinoplasty Maneuvers During Simulated Pregnancy

“…REBA and RULA were chosen as the ergonomic standard tools because of ease of use, cost‐effectiveness, practicality as a multiple joint analysis method, and integration already within health care settings. 29 Overall, both REBA and RULA analyses indicated a need for further investigation into specific ergonomic risk factors for all surgeons who perform rhinoplasty. When comparing pre‐ and post‐suit RULA and REBA scores, there was a significant difference in population means, indicating an even higher risk of injury with pregnancy.…”

Unveiling the Key Elements of Effective Preventive Strategies: Insights Into Addressing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physiotherapists

“…Proper ergonomics prevents any negative health issues by eliminating workplace stress which includes dealing with tools and procedures mainly client handling techniques that are safe and effective (Zahra et al, 2022). It is noted that ergonomic interventions can be effective in preventing occupational trauma among physiotherapists (Fan et al, 2022), yet, only 15.4% of participants are aware of its effectiveness. Thus, imparting ergonomic education to all physiotherapists is essential.…”