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Ercan S, Ince Parpucu T, Başkurt Z, Başkurt F. Ergonomic risks and problems of the musculoskeletal system for physiotherapists: comparison of employees in the fields of pediatric and adult care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:543-548. [PMID: 38477332 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2323334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the ergonomic risk levels, musculoskeletal complaints and quality of life of physiotherapists (PTs) according to their field of work. Methods. A total of 107 volunteer PTs participated in the study, whose information was recorded. Ergonomic risk levels were determined using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Complaints about the musculoskeletal system of PTs were evaluated with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham health profile. Results. PTs who worked with pediatric patients (Grouppediatric; n = 47) were younger (p<0.001). PTs who worked with adult patients (Groupadult; n = 60) had a higher daily number of patients (p<0.001). The REBA score did not make a difference between the groups (p = 0.379). The difference was found in the upper back region of the CMDQ (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups for quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusions. Grouppediatric may be working in ergonomically demanding positions, although there is no statistical difference. The injury sites of the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, the reflection of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life does not show any difference between the groups of PTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabriye Ercan
- Medicine Faculty, Suleyman Demirel University, Türkiye
| | | | - Zeliha Başkurt
- Health Sciences Faculty, Suleyman Demirel University, Türkiye
| | - Ferdi Başkurt
- Health Sciences Faculty, Suleyman Demirel University, Türkiye
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Poveda-López S, Lillo-Navarro C, Sánchez-Pérez A, Gacto-Sánchez M, Montilla-Herrador J. Older persons' expressed perceptions on exercise programs in long-term care institutions: Influence of professionals and institutions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 117:107985. [PMID: 37734250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perceptions of institutionalised older people about the professionals and institutions regarding exercise programs in long-term care institutions DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative study was carried out using focus group discussions. Forty-seven institutionalised participants (≥ 65 years old) with a score of > 23 in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were recruited. RESULTS Most participants believed that the frequency of the exercise sessions could be increased by enhancing the number of staff assisting them and by adapting the facilities to their needs. They also suggested using outdoor spaces and avoiding childish activities and treatment. Participants' beliefs were grouped into three major themes (i) Perceptions about the health professionals delivering the exercise programs (ii) Perceptions about the institution or centre regarding exercise programs; (iii) Perceptions about the exercise programs. CONCLUSION Participants proposed certain changes that could take place in the institutions to promote engagement with exercise programs: tailored exercise programs, avoiding puerile treatment, increasing the number of staff members, and the creation of well-equipped spaces to perform the exercise. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Professionals should spend time designing tailored exercise programs and avoid puerile treatment. Institutions must review the need for spaces and the personnel assigned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salud Poveda-López
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Catholic University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Lillo-Navarro
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy (CEIT). Department of Pathology and Surgery. Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Alicia Sánchez-Pérez
- Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain. Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Mariano Gacto-Sánchez
- CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquina Montilla-Herrador
- CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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Larson RE, Johnson AW, Bruening DA, Ridge ST, Mitchell UH. The influence of bed height as a percentage of participant height on low back forces when boosting a patient up in bed. Work 2023; 75:1351-1359. [PMID: 36710705 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repositioning patients is a frequent task for healthcare workers causing substantial stress to the low back. Patient handling methodologies that reduce low back load should be used. Some studies have observed the effect of bed height on back forces using a limited range of heights. This study details a wider range. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to discover an optimal bed height for reducing low back force when boosting a patient. METHODS 11 university students and local residents participated by completing a series of boosts with a 91.6 kg research assistant acting as dependent. The bed was adjusted 3% of participant height and 3 boosts were completed at each height which resulted in 8-10 different bed heights depending on the height of the participant. Motion and force data were collected to estimate low back forces via 3DSSPP. Pearson's R was performed to observe the correlation between caregiver height and low back forces. RESULTS There were significant negative correlations between bed height and low back compression force at L4-L5 (r = -0.676, p = <0.001) and L5-S1 (r = -0.704, p = <0.001). There were no significant correlations with any shear forces. CONCLUSION The highest bed height led to decreased low back compression forces regardless of participant height, but there was not a significant difference in shear forces. Thus, healthcare workers may experience less low back stress with the bed at a higher height. There may be a force tradeoff between the low back and other parts of the body that needs further exploration. Healthcare workers need to be made aware of the implications of adjusting the environment when performing patient handling tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Larson
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Zvekić-Svorcan J, Krasnik R, Kuhajda D, Mikov J, Lacokova Krasnikova J, Dimitrov D, Kovacevic M, Vuklis D. Risk factors for neck pain-induced disability among primary healthcare workers: A pilot study. Work 2023; 76:653-661. [PMID: 36911959 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck pain (NP) is associated with high disability rates among healthcare workers. OBJECTIVE To determine the potential risk factors associated with disability due to NP among healthcare staff working in primary care settings. METHODS This 30-day prospective cross-sectional study involved a survey of 63 healthcare personnel (55 women and 8 men aged 45.30±12.34 years) of two primary healthcare centers in Serbia, who completed a general questionnaire developed for this purpose along with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), whereby the potential predictors of NP-related disability were assessed using the statistical package SPSS ver. 24. RESULTS Female healthcare workers achieved a higher score on the NDI scale (Me = 8.00, p < 0.05), as did older respondents (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), those with longer work experience (r = 0.323, p < 0.05), and those that wear prescription glasses (Me = 9.00, p < 0.01). Higher NDI scores were also achieved by respondents that suffered from neck pain at the time of the study (Me = 12.50, p < 0.001), especially if they relied on pain medication (Me = 13.00, p < 0.05), and topical analgesic creams (Me = 12.50, p < 0.05) for treating neck pain. CONCLUSION Female sex, older age, greater work experience, current neck pain, use of pain-relieving medications and creams, and need for prescription glasses to correct vision increase the risk of disability due to pain in the cervical spine among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Zvekić-Svorcan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Rastislava Krasnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Danijela Kuhajda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Jelena Mikov
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Dragana Vuklis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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DEEN N, BADSHAH M, SHAMIM MO. Prevalence of Musculo-skeletal Discomfort and Level of Functional Limitations among Physiotherapists in Karachi City. BALNEO AND PRM RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2021.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most prevalent muscular pain condition hindering normal activities reported by physical therapists and health care professionals generally engaged in handling and mobilizing patients. The study was conducted to find the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort and level of functional limitations in physiotherapists.
Method:
This research was questionnaire based cross sectional study conducted in Karachi city from January to April 2019.Data collection was completed from registered physical therapists employed in different institutions. Two questionnaires were filled by the physiotherapists. Questionnaire 01, including thirteen questions on functional activities of daily life which are potentially related to functional areas of Neck Disability Index (NDI). Questionnaire 02 was based on 1987 version of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire.
Results:
Participation of 80 physical therapists in the study.75% was directly involved with patient handling and 25% were teachers. A total of 35% therapists reported 7 days symptoms prevalence with a higher prevalence in cervical (77.1%), lower back (68.6%) and upper back (51.4%).Similarly 65% workers showed previous 12 month symptoms with higher prevalence in neck (72.3%). Gender prevalence of 7days and 12 months was high in female therapist.
Conclusion:
It has been concluded that 12 month prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 65%, whereas 7 days was 35% and level of functional limitation from activities was insignificant.
Keywords: Epidemiology, musculoskeletal discomfort, Severity, Physical therapy,
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar DEEN
- “Institute of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Munair BADSHAH
- “Islam College of Pharmacy”, Pasrur Road Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Omar SHAMIM
- “Department of Physiology, Islam Medical College”, Pasrur Road Sialkot, Pakistan
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Forced posture of neurology residents in daily routine on the ward in Germany. MANUELLE MEDIZIN 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00337-021-00819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the work of neurologists regarding static posture (> 4 s) and to identify awkward postures.
Methods
A total of 9 neurologists (assistant physicians; 3 male, 6 female) participated in this study. Kinematic data were collected using the computer-assisted acquisition and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads (CUELA; IFA, Sankt Augustin, Germany) system. Daily work (“office work,” “measures on patients,” and “other activities”) was analyzed with a computer-based task analysis.
Results
During ”measures on patients,” more than 80% of the total percentage of non-neutral posture was assumed with a flexed position of the head and entire back, both during “blood collection” (4.7% of the time) and while “placing intravenous catheters” (8.3% of the time). In contrast, long static postures (> 30 s) in the head and neck area, including the thoracic spine, were adopted during “office work.” Despite the increased total percentage of non-neutral attitudes during measures on patients, the time share of 3.4% of the total working time is so small that the risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is negligible. In contrast, office work, which comprises 50.8% of the total working time and longer static postures, has a potential risk for the development of MSD.
Conclusion
The present study is the first kinematic pilot analysis in the field of in-patient neurological assistants. Non-neutral as well as static postures in everyday work could be identified. Potential MSD can be reduced by optimizing the working height and by taking regular breaks to loosen the musculoskeletal system.
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Ciezar-Andersen SD, Hayden KA, King-Shier KM. A systematic review of yoga interventions for helping health professionals and students. Complement Ther Med 2021; 58:102704. [PMID: 33652090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Helping Health Professionals (HHP) and HHP students are among the highest risk occupational groups for compromised mental and physical health. There is a paucity of information regarding preventive interventions for mental and physical health in this group of healthcare providers. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness of yoga interventions for the prevention and reduction of mental and physical disorders among HHPs and HHP students. DESIGN An exhaustive systematic search was conducted in May 2020. Databases searched in the OVID interface included: MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Embase, and PsycINFO. EbscoHost databases searched included: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, Alt HealthWatch, Education Research Complete, SocINDEX with Full Text, ERIC, and Academic Search Complete. Scopus was also searched. RESULTS The search yielded 4,973 records, and after removal of duplicates 3197 records remained. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, titles and abstracts were screened and full text articles (n = 82) were retrieved and screened. Twenty-five studies were identified for inclusion in this review. Most frequently reported findings of yoga interventions in this population included a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, and musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION It is our conclusion that mental and physical benefits can be obtained through implementation of yoga interventions for HHPs and HHP students across a variety of settings and backgrounds. However, researchers would benefit from following recommended guidelines for the design and reporting of yoga interventions to improve study quality and rigour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Alix Hayden
- Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Pieretti LF, Sylvester RA, Siegfried KV. Medical Cost of Workers' Compensation Claims Related to Patient Handling and Mobility Tasks Within Skilled Nursing Facilities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities: An Exploratory Analysis. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:e738-e747. [PMID: 33065727 PMCID: PMC7720879 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the medical costs related to patient handling & mobility (PH&M) claims. METHODS Closed medical only and indemnity workers' compensation claims were utilized for this exploratory study. In addition to the PH&M tasks, the claimants' gender, age, tenure, and the claim lag time were also analyzed. RESULTS Generalized linear models indicated that variables related to tasks, claims' number of open days and age of the claimants had meaningful effects on the adjusted medical costs for medical only claims. For indemnity claims, the number of open days of claims, age and tenure had meaningful effects. Gender had meaningful effects only for indemnity claims when classifying the claims by patient handling tasks versus non-patient handling tasks. CONCLUSIONS Results showed that factors, other than the type of injury; meaningfully influenced the adjusted medical costs of indemnity claims.
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Punnett L, Nobrega S, Zhang Y, Rice S, Gore R, Kurowski A. Safety and Health through Integrated, Facilitated Teams (SHIFT): stepped-wedge protocol for prospective, mixed-methods evaluation of the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1463. [PMID: 32993607 PMCID: PMC7526105 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09551-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare facilities are notorious for occupational health and safety problems. Multi-level interventions are needed to address interacting exposures and their overlapping origins in work organization features. Worker participation in problem identification and resolution is essential. This study evaluates the CPH-NEW Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP), a Total Worker Health® protocol to develop effective employee teams for worker safety, health, and wellbeing. METHODS Six public sector, unionized healthcare facilities are enrolled, in three pairs, matched by agency. The unit of intervention is a workplace health and safety committee, adapted here to a joint labor-management "Design Team" (DT). The DT conducts root cause analyses, prioritizes problems, identifies feasible interventions in light of the constraints and needs of the specific setting, makes business-case presentations to facility leadership, and assists in evaluation. Following a stepped-wedge (cross-over) design, one site in each pair is randomly assigned to "immediate intervention" status, receiving the full coached intervention at baseline; in the "lagged intervention" site, coaching begins about half-way through the study. Program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness outcomes are assessed at both organizational (e.g., workers' compensation claim and absenteeism rates, perceived management support of safety) and individual levels (e.g., self-rated health, sleep quality, leisure-time exercise). Targeted pre-post analyses will also examine specific outcomes appropriate to the topics selected for intervention. Process evaluation outcomes include fidelity of the HWPP intervention, extent of individual DT member activity, expansion of committee scope to include employee well-being, program obstacles and opportunities in each setting, and sustainability (within the available time frame). DISCUSSION This study aims for a quantitative evaluation of the HWPP over a time period long enough to accomplish multiple intervention cycles in each facility. The design seeks to achieve comparable study engagement and data quality between groups. We will also assess whether the HWPP might be further improved to meet the needs of U.S. public sector healthcare institutions. Potential challenges include difficulty in pooling data across study sites if Design Teams select different intervention topics, and follow-up periods too short for change to be observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04251429 (retrospectively registered January 29, 2020), protocol version 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Punnett
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Suzanne Nobrega
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Serena Rice
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Rebecca Gore
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Alicia Kurowski
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
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Nakano S, Okada H, Higo S, Nakamura K, Kitagawa K, Wada C. Usefulness of a simulated experience method for transfer assistance for hemiplegia or limited range of motion in multiple joints. J Phys Ther Sci 2020; 32:541-544. [PMID: 32884177 PMCID: PMC7443546 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.32.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] To further the understanding of dysfunctions to which a simulated experience
method could be applied, we clarified whether a simulated experience method can promote
caregivers to utilize the abilities of care recipients with pseudo-hemiplegia or
pseudo-limited range of motion (ROM) in multiple joints. [Participants and Methods] We
studied transfer assistance in 60 nursing assistants from nursing home settings: 30 were
assigned to the pseudo-hemiplegia (26 females, 4 males) and limited ROM in multiple joints
(27 females, 3 males) groups. One healthy person was fitted with orthotic braces to mimic
hemiplegia or limited ROM in multiple joints, each making it difficult to stand-up.
Participants were randomized to either a simulated experience group (involving
interventional help from a physical therapist between the first and second measurements)
or a control group. The load difference on the lower limbs of the care recipient between
two rounds of transfer assistance was examined. [Results] The difference between the
second and first measurements was −5.9 ± 74.5 N for the control group and 107.9 ± 123.6 N
for the simulated experience method in the pseudo-hemiplegia study, and −14.7 ± 64.7 N and
149.1 ± 132.4 N, respectively, for the pseudo-limited ROM-in-multiple-joints study.
[Conclusion] The simulated experience method promoted transfer assistance of a care
recipient with pseudo-hemiplegia or pseudo-limited ROM in multiple joints. These results
suggest that hemiplegia and limited ROM in multiple joints are added as dysfunctions that
can be applied to a simulated experience method in transfer assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sota Nakano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare: 888 Tominoo, Tamana, Kumamoto 865-0062, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Okada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare: 888 Tominoo, Tamana, Kumamoto 865-0062, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Higo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare: 888 Tominoo, Tamana, Kumamoto 865-0062, Japan
| | - Kouichi Nakamura
- Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University, Japan
| | - Kodai Kitagawa
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
| | - Chikamune Wada
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
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Zenker R, Girbig M, Hegewald J, Gilewitsch I, Wagner M, Nienhaus A, Seidler A. Musculoskeletal Complaints in Occupational Therapists Compared to the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17144916. [PMID: 32650412 PMCID: PMC7400362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Occupational therapists (OTs) are exposed to physical factors at work, which can lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Most studies examining musculoskeletal complaints in OT report that the neck, shoulders, and lower back are most often afflicted. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of work as an OT (focusing on specific work tasks) on specific musculoskeletal complaints compared to the general working population. A cross-sectional study involving a self-administered standardized questionnaire was conducted from January until October 2015 in Germany. In OT and the comparison group, the highest 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were observed for the lower back, the neck, and the shoulders. In contrast, elevated prevalence ratios (PR) were found for OT in the thumbs (PR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.9-3.8), the wrists (PR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1-1.8), and the elbows (PR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0-2.2). OTs were particularly exposed to high exertion hand activity and several stressful postures at work. In conclusion, OTs seem to be at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal complaints in the thumbs, wrists, and elbows. Preventive measures should help to reduce the exposures caused by highly repetitive and forceful hand activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Zenker
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Girbig
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Janice Hegewald
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Irina Gilewitsch
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Mandy Wagner
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Competence Center for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health, Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), 22089 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Seidler
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.Z.); (J.H.); (I.G.); (M.W.); (A.S.)
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