Working postures in qualified physiotherapists

Abstract

Low back pain, which is the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder, has a significant negative impact on the financial economy and physical wellbeing of society. Workers involved in physical work have an increased risk of suffering from low back pain. Physiotherapists are very knowledgeable about back care, many of them suffer from low back pain due to the heavy physical work required in lifting and transferring patients and the static postures adopted in treating patients. Evidence suggests that the majority of physiotherapists suffering from low back pain experience the onset of symptoms within four years of qualifying. Furthermore, different clinical settings expose the physiotherapist to different levels of risk for low back pain. This study examined the working postures of 30 qualified physiotherapists in three different clinical locations. These were OPD (out-patient physiotherapy) (n=10), REHAB (neurological rehabilitation) (n=10) and ICU (intensive care) (n=10). The Ovako Posture Analysing System (OWAS), which is a practical non-interference method for identifying and evaluating poor working postures was used. Statistical analysis using the two way table chi-squared test showed that there was a significant difference between the three groups. The REHAB group spent a significantly greater period of time in more stressful working postures than the other two groups. More than 37 % of all the physiotherapists time was spent with their backs bent, twisted or bent and twisted whilst working. These are stressful back postures and are considered ergonomic risk factors for low back pain. There is a need to devise a course based on ergonomic principles which will teach physiotherapists to conduct the various aspects of physiotherapy with the least postural stress possible.