PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS, BURNOUT, AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG CLINICAL AND ACADEMIC PHYSIOTHERAPISTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY "PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS, BURNOUT, AND JOB SATISFACTION IN PHYSICAL THERAPIST"

Abstract

Background

Physiotherapists are exposed to a number of health problems as a result of the physical and psychological demands of their profession. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, burnout and work dissatisfaction are common among physiotherapists and can affect professional well-being and performance. Moreover, the differences in the professional roles of clinical and academic physiotherapists may contribute to differences in levels of physical activity and occupational health outcomes. However, comparative evidence examining these factors simultaneously in different physiotherapy settings is still limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out from June 2025 to December 2025 among 130 physiotherapists working in both clinical and academic settings. Participants aged between 23 and 55 years with at least six months of professional experience were recruited using a non-probability convenience sampling. Data was collected using standardized and validated tools, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Independent t-tests was used to compare burnout rates across occupational groups, and chi-square tests were used to investigate the association between variables. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 27 with significance level set at < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 27.27 ± 3.75 years and 62.3% of them worked in clinical settings and 37.7% worked in academic settings. Musculoskeletal disorders were commonly reported, especially lower back (30.8%) and neck (29.2%), with no significant differences between occupational groups being observed (p = 0.062). Burnout scores indicated moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal achievement, with no statistically significant difference between physiotherapists in clinical and academic settings (p<0.05). Physical activity levels differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.001), with higher levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity reported by clinical physiotherapists. Job satisfaction was also significantly related to the setting of the job (p = 0.001), with academic physiotherapists reporting a higher satisfaction level than clinical therapists.

Conclusion

Physiotherapists face significant health problems related to musculoskeletal disorders and burnout, irrespective of the type of work. However, it appears that work-related roles influence levels of physical activity and job satisfaction. Clinical physiotherapists show a higher level of physical activity, while academic physiotherapists report higher job satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of workplace strategies to improve the well-being of the work force, reduce musculoskeletal disorders and address occupational stress in physiotherapeutic workers.