Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders among occupational and physical therapists

Occupational therapists are at risk of work-related injuries (WRIs) because of the demanding nature of their work. However, information about WRIs and musculoskeletal disorders among occupational therapists is limited. For comparison, research indicates that up to 91% of physical therapists experien...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of occupational therapy 2009-05, Vol.63 (3), p.351-362
Main Authors: Darragh, Amy R, Huddleston, Wendy, King, Phyllis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents, Occupational - statistics & numerical data
Adult
At Risk Persons
Back pain
Care and treatment
Career Choice
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hair
Humans
Industrial accidents
Injuries
Job Performance
Male
Musculoskeletal diseases
Musculoskeletal System - injuries
Nursing
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Occupational therapists
Occupational Therapy
Odds Ratio
Pain
Patient handling
Patients
Physical therapists
Physical therapy
Physical Therapy Specialty
Physiological aspects
Physiotherapists
Prevalence
Research Design
Resistance (Psychology)
Risk factors
Surveys
Symptoms
Work-related injuries
Workers Compensation
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Description
Summary:Occupational therapists are at risk of work-related injuries (WRIs) because of the demanding nature of their work. However, information about WRIs and musculoskeletal disorders among occupational therapists is limited. For comparison, research indicates that up to 91% of physical therapists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and pain. The purpose of this study was to gather new information about the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries among occupational therapists and to compare this information with physical therapists in the state of Wisconsin. Investigators mailed surveys to 3,297 randomly selected physical and occupational therapists living in Wisconsin. Results indicated a 2006 annual incidence rate of 16.5 injuries per 100 full-time workers among occupational therapists and 16.9 injuries per 100 full-time workers among physical therapists, a rate similar to workers employed in heavy manufacturing. Occupational therapists and physical therapists face similar and significant risks of injury and WMSDs.
ISSN:0272-9490
1943-7676
DOI:10.5014/ajot.63.3.351