Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Relationship Between Work-Related Low Back Pain and Contributing Job Factors Among Physical Therapists

Authors

Lynn Cousineau, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Lynn Cousineau. 1998. Relationship Between Work-Related Low Back Pain and Contributing Job Factors Among Physical Therapists. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (105)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/105.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of work-related low back pain during a 12-month period and the job factors that may be associated with this disorder in physical therapists.

Subjects: 300 randomly selected practicing physical therapists in the state of Florida.

Methods: Modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms adapted from Bork. Components of the questionnaire included a symptom survey, job-factor survey, and various demographic information.

Results: The reported prevalence of low back pain among physical therapists was 46%. The job factor rated most likely to contribute to work-related low back pain was "working in an awkward or cramped position." The prevalence of low back pain in physical therapists was also affected by work setting, patient population, gender of the therapist, and age of the therapist.

Conclusion: Specific strategies should be developed and implemented to reduce the prevalence of work-related low back pain in the practice of physical therapy.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy