title: Prevalence causes and impact of work related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical therapists are particularly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence, causes and impact of WRMDs among physical therapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study of physical therapists using a valid and reliable questionnaire. A total of 690 completed surveys were returned (response rate = 69%). The T-test and Pearson's correlation were used to identify correlations between variables and the incidence of WRMDs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Working hours/week and WRMDs were significantly correlated (p = 0.005). Lower back (46.5%) and neck (26.6%) pain were most commonly encountered. WRMDs were significantly correlated with altered work habits (p = 0.036) but not with body mass index (p = 0.297). The prevalence of WRMDs among physical therapists was 47.7% with a significant difference between full- and part-time practice (p = 0.023). Adjustable beds/plinths (20%) and splints (18%) were the most commonly used assistive devices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical therapists are especially vulnerable to WRMDs with a prevalence of 47.7%. WRMDs are impacted by both work status and setting. Low back pain is the most common form of WRMDs (46.5%). Avoidance of poor work habits, increased ergonomic awareness and application of safety measures are essential to prevent WRMDs.
authors.forename: Qassim I
authors.initials: QI
authors.lastname: Muaidi
authors.forename: Alsayed Abdelhameed
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Shanb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Prevalence work related disorders; physical therapy; safety strategies