Physiotherapist movement during patient handling
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the relationship between physiotherapist movement during patient handling and work-related musculoskeletal disorders
IRAS ID
348035
Contact name
Anastasia Pavlova
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 5 days
Research summary
Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, joints and tendons and are a common cause of long-term pain and disability. When a person’s work contributes to or worsens this pain these cases are known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and include conditions like low back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Almost 70% of UK physiotherapists suffer from WRMSDs in their career, with related absences costing the NHS around £400 million each year.
Physiotherapists often do physically demanding tasks whilst treating patients, like helping patients to move between positions (patient handling) or supporting and providing resistance against patients’ limbs to improve their condition (therapeutic handling). These tasks can be heavy, repetitive, and sometimes unpredictable, contributing to pain and disability. Although physiotherapists have regular training on how to safely move and handle patients, we do not know if what they are being taught is best practice because there is not enough high-quality evidence. The type of patients and the required treatment varies greatly between physiotherapy specialities (e.g. elderly rehabilitation, paediatrics). Surprisingly, there is little research on therapeutic and patient handling in relation to physiotherapists.
In this study we will explore how physiotherapists move while treating patients and how different positions and postures might affect their body and the potential for injury. We will recruit qualified physiotherapists and invite them to wear a series of sensors attached via Velcro over their usual uniform, whilst they treat patients during their normal working day. Physiotherapists will also complete questionnaires asking them about musculoskeletal pain, if any; whether they took time off work or were referred to occupational health as a result; work stress; and recent physical activity. Exploring how physiotherapists move and their history of WRMSDs will help us to get a better understanding of the complex relationship between handling and WRMSDs. The knowledge gained from this research will build on the evidence base from which we can begin developing more physiotherapy-specific handling guidance.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0015
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion