The Relationship between Postural Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Occupational Therapists in Tehran

Purpose: Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs) are considered one of the most common occupational problems. Occupational therapists are one group of health-care professionals who need to provide therapeutic techniques during work in different working postures. Observational postural analysis methods are a powerful and effective method for detecting awkward working postures which may result in injury. This study's aim was to assess the relationship between postural risk factors and the existence of musculoskeletal disorders in occupational therapists. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 30 occupational therapists in Tehran were recruited. Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using the General Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (GNQ), and the ergonomic risk factors during the specific working posture were evaluated by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) methods. . Data analysis was performed using SPSS-21 software. Results: Analysis of the results indicate the annual prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was 76.6% with the highest prevalence of discomfort in the regions of the lower back (43.3%), neck (30%) and right wrist (26.7%). Results of the RULA score indicated 30% of subjects scored between 5-7 which ranged in the 'action level' of 3-4 for severity indicating activity change should investigated or initiated. The QEC results showed 60% of subjects scored 51-70, indicating the need to do corrective strategy. Conclusion: A relative high percentage of occupational therapists work with non-ergonomic postures, which should be investigated and a view to modifications initiated precipitously.