PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN DUE TO WORK AMONG CLINICAL PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to observe the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among clinical Physical therapists, considering the physically demanding nature of their profession.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study design was employed, with participants selected through a non-probability convenient sampling technique. A total of 125 clinical physiotherapists, aged between 25 and 40 years, were recruited from government hospitals in Lahore. Physiotherapists with a surgical history involving the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, or wrist were excluded. Data were collected using the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)  and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results

The results obtained from the NMQ demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among clinical physiotherapists. The distribution of MSK disorders was as follows: Neck pain: 28.80%, Shoulder pain: 20.00%, Elbow pain: 1.60%, Wrist pain: 0.60%, Upper back pain: 2.40%, Lower back pain: 32.00%, Thigh pain: 0.80%, Knee pain:11.20%, Foot pain: 2.40%.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among clinical physiotherapists in Lahore, with the most commonly affected regions being the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The results highlight the need for preventive measures and ergonomic interventions to minimize work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists.