Correlation of physical factors with musculoskeletal pain among physiotherapists

• Main Authors: Vidhi Rajen Kalyani, Surendra Kiran Wani, Savita Rairikar, Ashok Shyam, Parag Sancheti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Pain
• Subjects: Musculoskeletal pain; physical activity; physiotherapists; psychological status; sleep
• Online Access: http://www.indianjpain.org/article.asp?issn=0970-5333;year=2017;volume=31;issue=1;spage=50;epage=54;aulast=Kalyani

Introduction: The etiology of musculoskeletal work related disorders remains largely unclear, pain being the predominant complaint. The prevalence of neck pain, shoulder pain, upper and lower back pain increases drastically during professional practice in Physiotherapy. This study evaluated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Also, the study determined the role of modifiable risk factors for physiotherapists (physical activity, psychological status and quantity and quality of sleep) for pain. Method: The study population includes 60 physiotherapists with atleast work experience of 1 year and work duration of 6 hours per day. Outcome measures used were Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire as a screening tool, Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, The Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (SQUASH), University of Cambridge sleep questionnaire and Internet Mental Health Quality of Life (IMHQOL) scale. Results: Comparatively, pain was more concentrated at spinal regions than peripheral locations among physiotherapists. Surprisingly, many physiotherapists reported multiple sites of musculoskeletal pains. Conclusion: A weak correlation was established between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain among physiotherapists.