Musculoskeletal Complaints in Occupational Therapists Compared to the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

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Contributors

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.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number4916
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume17
Issue number14
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 32650412
Scopus 85088201181

Keywords

Keywords

  • General population, Musculoskeletal complaints, Musculoskeletal diseases, Occupational health, Occupational therapists, Work-related complaints, Work-related diseases

Library keywords