Physiotherapists are often affected by musculoskeletal disorders owing to the physically demanding nature of their occupation. However, ergonomic practice guidelines for patient management are lacking. Determining the extent to which physiotherapists apply ergonomic principles in practice is essential for developing appropriate prevention measures against musculoskeletal disorders.
Objective
To evaluate the knowledge and application of ergonomic principles among physiotherapists and to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and ergonomics knowledge and application among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A total of 386 licensed physiotherapists participated in this cross-sectional survey by completing a validated structured questionnaire. Multivariable models were constructed identify independent predictors of good ergonomics knowledge and practice.
Results
Good knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles were reported by 84.2% and 65.8% of the participants, respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with region of residence (p < 0.05), whereas practice showed no significant association with demographic or professional factors (p > 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that living in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia was a predictor of better ergonomic knowledge (odds ratio [OR]: 9.36). Lower practice levels were associated with having a diploma or PhD (OR: 0.07 and 0.31 respectively).
Conclusions
Most Saudi physiotherapists exhibit good knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles, with the physiotherapists living in the eastern region showing higher knowledge than those living in the central region. These findings suggest that ergonomic principles should be incorporated into the physiotherapy curriculum. Integration of ergonomic training in continuing education programs is essential for improved practice and cultivation of safer work environments.
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