Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries in Occupational and Physical Therapists and Its Comparison

Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most prevalent occupational diseases that are serious, fundamental and costly in nature.  Methods: This analytical descriptive study included 45 individuals of occupational and physiotherapy community in Hamedan, Nahavand and Malayer cities of Iran. The standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, chi-square test, T-test and Kay Score tests. Results: Study results revealed the prevalence of MSD accounting for 65.9% (n=27) of the study population who at least had one part of their body infected. In a 12 months study period, the disorder symptoms were seen in wrist (34.1%), lumbar (31.7%), knee (29.3%), neck (26.8%), shoulder (19.5%), and back (17%). A significant relation was seen between the symptoms of the wrist and hand. This was more common among occupational therapists. The results also showed that the disorders in occupational therapists affected all the limbs, except the neck. In addition, the females were more susceptible to the disorders compared to the males. Discussion: This study confirmed the rate of prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries in occupational and physical therapists, with wrist and lumbar being the most affected. The promotion of therapist’s knowledge about MSD and following ergonomic principles and new approaches in the treatment may lower or prevent MSD.