Frequency of Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Peripheral Neuropathies in Clinical Physical Therapists

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort and peripheral neuropathies in clinically practicing physical therapist and to assess their health related quality of life. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 352 physical therapist of either gender aged 25 to 40 with minimum one year of clinical experience from February to July 2021. Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire was used to assess the peripheral neuropathies. World Health Organization Quality of Life scale was used to assess the quality of life. The data was analyzed through SPSS 21. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.01±3.66 (years). Majority of the participants were males 196 (55.7%). Most commonly involved areas of discomfort in the past 12 months were lower back 49 (13.92%), wrist/hands 40 (11.36%) and shoulder 35 (9.94%). In last year, physical therapist reported that musculoskeletal disorders at the lower back 51 (14.49%), wrist and hands 38 (10.79%) and shoulder 30 (8.52%) respectively caused limitation in daily activities. Neuropathic pain incidence was found lower 67 (19.03%) using DN4 questionnaire. According to WHOQOL-BREF the mean score was lowest in physical (63.86±17.30) and psychological (64.96±15.68) domains of quality of life. Conclusion: The current study concluded that musculoskeletal disorders were prevalent among physical therapists and only few physical therapists had peripheral neuropathy. Among quality of life domains physical and psychological domain had low mean scores compared to social and environmental domain.

Keywords

• musculoskeletal disorders, neuropathic pain, physical therapist, quality of life, shoulder, wrist.