PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER AMONG CLINICAL PHYSICAL THERAPIST’S IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) are injuries that include a wide range of degenerative diseases and disorders that lead to pain or functional impairment. Risk factors for MSK are excessive repetition, heavy physical load or psychosocial stress, awkward postures, heavy lifting, smoking, a higher body mass index (BMI), and the presence of comorbidities (rheumatism, pain and arthritis) are common biomechanical risk factors which causes MSK): Education of Physical therapists regarding ergonomic and biomechanical principles as well as hands-on patient handling are key tool which help to prevent MSK . Objectives of the study is to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among clinical physical therapist in Peshawar. A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out to determine the prevalence of MSK disorders among clinical physical therapists in Peshawar. Data collected through questionnaire named Nordic Questionnaire. The results of the study is to provide a baseline of information about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among clinical physical therapists in Peshawar. The percentage of musculoskeletal disorders in clinical physical therapists in Peshawar was 19.9% in neck, 12.5% in shoulder, 1.4% in elbow, 5.1% in wrist/hands, 11.6% in upper back, 27.3%in lower back, 7.9% in one or both hip/thighs, 10.2% in one or both knees and 4.2% in one or both ankles. In current study, we had concluded a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among clinical physical therapist in Peshawar, which is ranging from 25-60 or above 60 years of age.