Ergonomic risk assessment and evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists

INTERVENTION: The study participants with low back pain are randomly assigned into two groups using a simple randomisation method. The recruited physiotherapists will be divided into two groups. Group 1 will receive only ergonomic advice about their back care and Group 2 will receive ergonomic advice about their back care and pilates training, both for 5 days/week for a period of 8 weeks. The physiotherapists who provide the intervention in this study have extensive experience of more than 10 years in the field of physiotherapy and provide pilates training programs to various patients to change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises. The interventions are provided face‐to‐face individually at the outpatient physiotherapy departments of King Khalid University, Aseer Central Hospital, Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Armed Forces Hospital ‐ Southern Region, and Khamis Mushait. CONDITION: Assessment of ergonomic risk and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: Risk factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder measured using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score at baseline and 8 weeks SECONDARY OUTCOME: The following secondary outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks:; 1. Pain intensity measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) score; 2. Pain threshold measured using a pressure algometer; 3. Proprioception measured using a digital inclinometer; 4. ODI measured using a disability scale; 5. Quality of life measured using a QOLS scale; ; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Age 28‐50 years old 2. Physical therapists with an experience of at least 5 years of general health care practice 3. Subjects who will be willing to participate in the study 4. Participants scoring more than 3 on the RULA questionnaire