Work-related musculoskeletal complaints of physiotherapists working in intensive care units: Frequency analysis, risk factors, management and prevention strategies

BACKGROUND: Intensive care physiotherapists are exposed to situations that may cause physical and mental overload, which can lead to the onset of work-related musculoskeletal complaints. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze these complaints and to identify activities causing greater overload, factors associated with complaints, and management and prevention strategies. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 125 physiotherapists in the Intensive Care units (ICU) of a tertiary hospital. The questionnaire used was formulated from questionnaires validated in the literature such as Nordic Questionnaire and Bork Questionnaire. Chi-square test was performed to compare the groups with and without complaints. Logistic regression was used to assess the association effects of the variables on the presence of complaints. RESULTS: Of those interviewed, 76% had a work-related complaint in the last year, with the “lower back” being the most affected region. Eighty percent had complaints for more than one site. “Transfer” was considered the activity causing the greatest overload. Female sex (p = 0.023), lack of physical activity (p = 0.028), inadequate ventilation (p = 0.001) and inadequate furniture (p = 0.006) showed a statistically significant association effect with the presence of complaints. Inadequate ventilation (p = 0.003) and female sex (p = 0.004) influenced the number of affected areas. Physical activity was considered the main strategy for prevention. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal complaints accounted for a high percentage of the analyzed sample, mainly in the lower back. The extent of complaints suggests that strategies should be developed and changes in work dynamics should be carried out.