The evaluation of postural characteristics in rehabilitation professionals and its effect on pain, quality of life, and sleep level

Year 2021, Volume: 4 Issue: 5, 716 - 721, 05.09.2021

Ayça Uran Şan , Ümüt Güzelküçük , Arif Kenan Tan

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.955675

Abstract

Objective:
Rehabilitation professionals play a primary role in patients' medical procedures, leaving them in long-term, fixed, and sometimes less than optimal body positions, leading to musculoskeletal disorders in individuals. This study aims to assess the postural characteristics of the rehabilitation professionals, investigate the effects on pain, quality of life, sleep levels, and identify possible risk factors.
Material and Method:
Our study had 105 participants and was performed as a prospective, cross-sectional study. The demographic information of the individuals included in the study, whether they have any pain complaints related to the musculoskeletal system, if any, its localization and sleep level were evaluated. Participants were administered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Employee Quality of Life Scale. The postural status was assessed using the Corbin Posture Scale.
Results:
It was detected that the participants with higher Corbin Posture Scale scores had more severe pain levels assessed by VAS score (p:0.000, r:0.803), longer duration of musculoskeletal pain (p:0.000, r:0.456), and shorter daily sleep duration time (p:0.000,r:-0.424) as a result of our study.

Conclusion:
Postural dysfunction in rehabilitation professionals leads to many medical problems, especially musculoskeletal pain, high analgesic consumption, and sleep disturbances. As a result, there may be a reduction in quality of life. For this reason, it is of great importance to treat existing postural problems and give preventive exercise programs when needed.

Keywords

Rehabilitation, healthcare professionals, posture

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