The occurrence of overload at work and musculoskeletal pain in young physiotherapists

A job requiring stooping, lifting, carrying loads and multiple repetitions of the same movement patterns leads to overloading the musculoskeletal system.

The aim of the study was to assess the work-related load experienced by physiotherapists and the occurrence of the musculoskeletal system overload.

The study included 108 young physiotherapists, 69 women and 39 men, aged from 25 to 35 years (mean 27.12 ± 3.72 years). The study used an anonymous questionnaire and Quick Exposure Check.

The most common musculoskeletal complaints were as follows: 70 physiotherapists (64.8%) reported low back pain, 60 (55.6%) cervical pain, and 34 (31.5%) pain in the wrists and fingers. Statistically significant positive correlations were revealed between the number of years worked in the profession and shoulder pain. The number of hours of work per week was positively correlated with the occurrence of pain in all analyzed body areas. Professional experience was negatively correlated with the level of stress felt. Physiotherapists dealing with manual therapy and exercise physiotherapy were particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal overload.

Popularization of knowledge regarding ergonomics among physiotherapists could reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal overload.