[A survey on musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists]

Only few studies focused on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among physiotherapists (PT). The study population consisted of 50 PT and 50 clerical workers belonging to the same three rehabilitation hospitals in Northern Italy. The participants filled in a specifically designed questionnaire focused on risk factors, symptoms and diseases related to MSD. Data were self reported. Preliminary data show a significantly higher prevalence of low back symptoms (70%) and upper limb symptoms (36%) in PT than controls (16% and 4% respectively). PT had a higher prevalence of lumbar disk degeneration (20%), shoulder disorders (14%), wrist and hand tendinopathy (10%) than clerical workers (4% and 2% respectively). Both PT and clerical workers attributed their cervical symptoms to work (85% and 95% respectively). Only PT believed that low back and upper limb symptoms were work related (83% and 94% respectively). Our survey supported the findings that PT have e high prevalence of MSD. Specific preventive intervention should be applied to reduce risk of work related MSD.