Work related musculoskeletal symptoms; exposures and perception towards physiotherapeutic interventions at work setting in teachers and caregivers of special schools in Pune: a questionnaire based study

Authors

  • Rujula S. Jadhav Deccan Education Society’s Brijlal Jindal College of Physiotherapy, Fergusson College Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  • Aditi K. Berry Deccan Education Society’s Brijlal Jindal College of Physiotherapy, Fergusson College Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232049

Keywords:

WRMSDs, Exposure level, Perception towards physiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Teachers and caregivers at special schools are at a risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as they tend to work in awkward postures. It is important to identify musculoskeletal complaints and exposure levels to incorporate work site modifications to reduce risk of developing WRMSDs. Also understanding their perception towards physiotherapy might help in better implementation of worksite wellness programs.

Methods: Participants were administered nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), quick exposure check (QEC) questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire with five domains.

Results: Out of the 66 participants, 36 were teachers and 30 were caregivers. Results of NMQ stated that, 20 participants reported to have pain. 50 participants had discomfort in the form of stiffness, fatigue. Assessment via QEC revealed, 39 participants were exposed at a lower level, followed by 22 and 5 who were exposed at moderate and higher level of the risk factors causing WRMSDs respectively. 26 participants were not engaged in regular physical activity. 26 participants had never been explained about safe and ideal ways to handle children with special needs in order to prevent WRMSDs.

Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain was predominantly in the lower back, shoulder/arms, and neck region. Almost 60% of participants were exposed at a lower level to the risk factors leading to WRMSDs. All of the participants stated that they would like to attend a training program by a physiotherapist regarding the same.

References

Kathy Cheng H-Y, Cheng C-Y, Ju Y-Y. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in early intervention educators. Applied Ergonomics. 2013;44(1):1-141.

Mohd Anuar NF, Rasdi I, Saliluddin S, Ezainal A. Work task and job satisfaction predicting low back pain among secondary school teachers in Putrajaya. Iranian J Public Health. 2016;3.

Ohisson K, Attewell RG, Pålsson B, Karlsson B, Balogh I, Johnsson B, et al. Repetitive industrial work and neck and upper limb disorders in females. Am J Industrial Medicine. 1995;27(5).

Burdorf A, van Riel M, Brand T. Physical load as risk factor for musculoskeletal complaints among Tank Terminal Workers. Am Industrial Hygiene Assoc J. 1997;58(7):1-497.

Lagerström M, Wenemark M, Hagberg M, WigaeusHjelm E. Occupational and individual factors related to musculoskeletal symptoms in five body regions among Swedish nursing personnel. Int Arch Occup Envi Health. 1996;68(1).

Erick PN, Smith DR. A systematic review of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among School Teachers. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2011;12(1).

Eriksen W. Work factors as predictors of intense or disabling low back pain; a prospective study of nurses' aides. Occup Env Med. 2004;61(5):1-404.

Cheng H-YK, Wong M-T, Yu Y-C, Ju Y-Y. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in special education teachers and teacher’s aides. BMC Public Health. 2016;16(1).

Claus M, Kimbel R, Spahn D, Dudenhöffer S, Rose D-M, Letzel S. Prevalence and influencing factors of chronic back pain among staff at special schools with multiple and severely handicapped children in Germany: Results of a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disord. 2014;15(1).

Kuorinka I, Jonsson B, Kilbom A, Vinterberg H, Biering-Sørensen F, Andersson G, et al. Standardised Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Applied Ergonomics. 1987;18(3):1-237.

Chairani A. Validity and reliability test of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire with formal and informal sector workers. Childhood Stunting, Wasting, and Obesity, as the Critical Global Health Issues: Forging Cross-Sectoral Solutions. 2020.

Crawford JO. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Occup Med. 2007;57(4):1-301.

David G, Woods V, Li G, Buckle P. The development of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Applied Ergonomics. 2008;39(1):1-69.

Ispăsoiu A, Milosan I, Senchetru D, Machedon-Pisu T, Ispăsoiu AM, Meiţă C. Study on the application of the QEC (Quick Exposure Check) on the ergonomic risks assessment in the industrial field. MATEC Web of Conferences. 2021;343.

Ericsson P, Björklund M, Wahlström J. Exposure assessment in different occupational groups at a hospital using quick exposure check (QEC) – a pilot study. Work. 2012;41:1-5720.

Lechner DE. Work hardening and work conditioning interventions: Do they affect disability? Physical Therapy. 1994;74(5):1-493.

World Health Organization. Obesity: Preventing and managing the global epidemic. 2000. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42330. Accessed on 12 February 2023.

Yamamoto N, Saeki K, Kurumatani N. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors in teachers of physically and intellectually disabled pupils. J Nara Med Assoc. 2003;54(2).

Gerbaudo L, Violante B. Relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and work-related awkward postures among a group of health care workers in a hospital. Med Lav. 2008;99(1):29-39.

Ghosh T, Das B, Gangopadhyay S. Work-related musculoskeletal disorder: An occupational disorder of the goldsmiths in India. Indian J Comm Med. 2010;35(2).

World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Web annex evidence profiles. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240015111. Accessed on 12 February 2023.

Downloads

Published

2023-06-29

How to Cite

Jadhav, R. S., & Berry, A. K. (2023). Work related musculoskeletal symptoms; exposures and perception towards physiotherapeutic interventions at work setting in teachers and caregivers of special schools in Pune: a questionnaire based study. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 10(7), 2533–2540. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232049

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles