A Digital Ergonomics Assessment of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Between Female and Male Physical Therapists. (MD)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to an array of signs and symptoms involving various areas of the musculoskeletal system. The clinical manifestations of MSDs include pain, swelling/redness, stiffness, and weakness or loss of function. Such manifestations affect the muscles, joints, tendons, nerves, and supporting structures in various body parts. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a high significant occupation problem worldwide.The prevalence of WRMDs among Egyptian physiotherapists is high. Physical therapist often initiate their clinical careers with prolonged exposure to physically demanding tasks, such as working with patients in various body positions. This early exposure can establish lifelong patterns of movement and posture that increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). By identifying and addressing potential ergonomic risk between genders during this formative period, we aim to prevent the onset of WRMDs and promote long-term occupational health among physical therapists. This study will focus on assessing the prevalence of poor body mechanics and identifying the risk of WRMDs between female and male physical therapists in their early clinical careers.