Investigation of working postures and musculoskeletal disorders of physiotherapists working during the COVİD-19 pandemic

This study was conducted to investigate the use of protective equipment, physical distance change, working postures, musculoskeletal disorders, and stress and anxiety levels of physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. 217 physiotherapists working across Turkey (29.12 ± 8.88 years, 168.32 ± 8.45 cm, 23.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2) were included. Working postures were evaluated with the Owako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), musculoskeletal disorders with the Extended Scandinavian Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and stress and anxiety during the pandemic period with the Virus Epidemic-Related Stress and Anxiety Scale-9 (SAVE-9) for Healthcare Professionals. 98.6% of them stated that they used protective equipment during treatment sessions, 60.4% of them stated that their physical distance during treatment sessions did not change during the epidemic period. According to OWAS results; It was found that 41% had a working posture that had some detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system. It was determined that 80.2% of the physiotherapists felt pain/sting/discomfort in the back region in the last 12 months, and 33.2% of them were prevented from their usual work due to the pain in the lumbar region. OWAS scale back position scores and pandemic anxiety level (r= 0.179, p=0.008); and total SAVE-9 scores (r= 0.139, p=0.041); Additionally; here was a statistically significant, positive, low-level relationship between these variables. A statistically significant, positive, and low correlation was found between OWAS scale lifting scores and pandemic-related work-related stress (r= 0.137, p=0.043) and total SAVE-9 scores (r= 0.136, p=0.045). It was concluded that pain complaints mostly occurred in the back, waist and neck regions. Stress and anxiety levels of those who had high back posture scores during the study and those who lifted heavy loads were also found to be high. It is recommended that therapists be informed about the ergonomic working principles that protect the musculoskeletal system and the control of stress and anxiety.