ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF EGYPTIAN PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Background: Physical therapists often perform physically demanding tasks such as patient handling, manual techniques, and prolonged awkward postures, which may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).Purpose: To evaluate ergonomic risk levels among Egyptian physical therapists, investigate the prevalence of WMSDs, and find out the correlation between these disorders and ergonomic risk.Methodology: Seventy therapists (aged 25–36) from Al Qalyubia were assessed. RULA evaluated ergonomic risk during ultrasound and shoulder mobilization tasks, while the Cornell questionnaire identified WMSD prevalence.Results: physical therapists are exposed to low to medium risk while applying the ultrasound and are exposed to medium to high risk while performing shoulder mobilization. The lower back, neck, and upper back were most affected, with a positive correlation to ergonomic risk.Conclusion: Egyptian physical therapists are exposed to varying ergonomic risks depending on the task performed. WMSDs are common among Egyptian physical therapists and are positively associated with correlated with the ergonomic risk.