Exercise and the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injury in osteopaths
Item
- Title
- Exercise and the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injury in osteopaths
- Author(s)
- Nopper Jane
- Abstract
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a recognised phenomon within the health care profession leading to impaired ability to work effectively, in some cases prompting a change of career or early retirement in those most affected. It is important for young practitioners to recognise the known risk factors for injury and to have at their disposal a range of strategies to reduce the risks posed by their work. Risk factors can be divided into those which are largely fixed and those which can be modified. To date, there have been no published studies into the specific risk factors associated with the practice of osteopathy. It was of particular interest to this study, to examine the potential protective effects of exercise. A survey instrument was distributed to 500 practicing United Kingdom osteopaths, of which 294 were returned. The survey was designed around the aims of the study. It was felt important not to narrow the questionnaire to known risk factors for dysfunction but to leave room for other variables which may or may not exert an influence on type and rates of occupational injury. The findings of the study suggest that, although osteopaths do suffer with varying degrees of work-related musculoskeletal dysfunction, few disorders impact severely in practice, with the possible exception of lumbar spine disorders. The protective effects of exercise were inconclusive. Protective effects were suggested in the lumbar spine, sacro-iliac joints, hips and feet and ankles by engaging in4 or more different physical activities per week (90.91% potential protective effect per region). In contrast, high levels of exercise appeared detrimental to hand / wrist, thumb and knee health. It is suggested that the protective effect is a result of exercise diversity, not number of hours performed.
- presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 2002
- Date Submitted
- 1.11.2003 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Number of pages
- 96
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13016
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Keywords
- Exercise,Osteopathy,Osteopaths,Work-related disorders,Occupational health and disorders,Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Nopper Jane, “Exercise and the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injury in osteopaths”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 23, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1322