Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cankı rı Karatekin University, Cankırı, Turkey | [b] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Özge Çınar-Medeni, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, School of Health, Cankırı Karatekin University, Cankırı 18200, Turkey. Tel.: +90 376 213 17 02; Fax: +90 376 212 00 75; E-mail:ozgecinar@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal system diseases are commonly
observed among nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, and dieticians.
OBJECTIVE: To assess working postures of nurses, physiotherapists, dentists
and dieticians, to identify whether low back pain (LBP) is present, and to
put forth the correlation between LBP, working posture, and other factors.
METHODS: Twenty seven physiotherapists, 34 nurses, 30 dentists, and 16
dieticians were included. Impairment ratings of cases with LBP were analysed
with Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (Quebec). Working postures were
analysed with Owako Working Posture Analysis System.
RESULTS: LBP was observed in 70.09% of healthcare professionals. Of the
individuals suffering from LBP, 57.2% were working with a risky posture.
40.63% of individuals without LBP were using risky working postures.
Trunk and head posture distribution of individuals with and without LBP was
found as different from each other (p < 0.05). LBP prevalence of dentists
and nurses were higher compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Quebec scores of
professionals with LBP were not different among occupations (p > 0.05).
Quebec scores were observed as correlated with various factors in various
occupation groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Considering that head-neck and trunk postures are changeable
factors that are among the factors affecting LBP, correcting the working
posture gains importance.
Keywords: Nurse, physiotherapist, dentist, dietician, low back pain
