Ergonomic risks and problems of the musculoskeletal system for physiotherapists: comparison of employees in the fields of pediatric and adult care.

Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the ergonomic risk levels, musculoskeletal complaints and quality of life of physiotherapists (PTs) according to their field of work. Methods. A total of 107 volunteer PTs participated in the study, whose information was recorded. Ergonomic risk levels were determined using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Complaints about the musculoskeletal system of PTs were evaluated with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham health profile. Results. PTs who worked with pediatric patients (Grouppediatric; n = 47) were younger (p<0.001). PTs who worked with adult patients (Groupadult; n = 60) had a higher daily number of patients (p<0.001). The REBA score did not make a difference between the groups (p = 0.379). The difference was found in the upper back region of the CMDQ (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups for quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusions. Grouppediatric may be working in ergonomically demanding positions, although there is no statistical difference. The injury sites of the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, the reflection of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life does not show any difference between the groups of PTs.

Health belief model - male osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge levels, beliefs, and self-efficacies of men regarding osteoporosis according to the health belief model. METHODS: Men aged 55 years and older were included in the study. After the descriptive characteristics of the participants were recorded, the Male Osteoporosis Knowledge Quiz, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale, and Osteoporosis Knowledge Test were administered to the participants face-to-face. RESULTS: A total of 435 men with an average age of 67.3 ± 0.4 years participated in the study. When the participants were categorized according to age subgroups, it was found that marital status (p = 0.002), economic status (p = 0.016), and education level (p < 0.001) differed with age. The results of the osteoporosis-specific measurement tools used in data collection also differed with age (p < 0.05). It was observed that men's levels of osteoporosis knowledge decreased with increasing age (p < 0.05). The lowest scores for the exercise benefits and health motivation subdimensions of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale and the Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale were obtained from the subgroup that included the oldest participants (p < 0.05). The highest scores for the calcium barriers subdimension of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale were obtained from younger participants (p = 0.036). The level of osteoporosis knowledge showed a low-to-moderate correlation with each question of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (p < 0.05). Age, education, associating the role of physiotherapy with primary-secondary treatment approaches, and health beliefs were the factors that affected the osteoporosis knowledge levels of the participating men (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of osteoporosis and preventive beliefs and behaviours of men need to be increased. Knowledge and perceptions of susceptibility to osteoporosis should be developed in men with appropriate education from an early age. We recommend that exercise and physiotherapy approaches should be utilized to a greater extent, especially for individuals in the at-risk age range.

Adaptation of the International Fitness Scale and Self-Perceived Health-Related Physical Fitness Questionnaire into Turkish.

This study aims to investigate the Turkish validity and reliability of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) and the Self-Perceived Health-Related Physical Fitness Questionnaire for Children (SPHQ-C) aged 10-17. The measurement tools were translated into Turkish by two independent researchers and back-translated. Then, the content validity was established with a group of 13 individuals (Sample 1) who presented to the sports medicine clinic. The pilot application phase was initiated. A sample of 372 individuals (Sample 2) studying in the provincial center was selected for piloting the measurement tools with the ALPHA-FIT Test Battery. The test-retest application of the measurement tools with a 15-day interval was carried out with 207 individuals (Sample 3) not included in Sample 2. The authors calculated that the content validity ratio values for the items in the IFIS ranged from 0.85 to 1.00, with a content validity index of 0.94 for the scale. In the SPHQ-C, these values were found to be between 0.92 and 1.00, with a content validity index of 0.99. According to the Z-score difference analysis for both measurement tools, the construct validity of all items was achieved (p < 0.05). In the Bland-Altman plot test conducted for the IFIS-TR, the mean difference was calculated as 0.11, the standard deviation of the differences was 1.57, and the p-value was determined as 0.31. For the SPHQ-C-TR, the mean difference was -0.15, the standard deviation of the differences was 1.95, and the p-value was determined as 0.26. The Kappa coefficients for the items of the IFIS-TR ranged from 0.45 to 0.52, while for the SPHQ-C-TR, the Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.47 to 0.75. Confirmatory factor analysis conducted on Sample 2 confirmed model fit indices with covariance among some items of the measurement tools (IFIS-TR: e1-e3; SPHQ-C-TR: e1-e2, e1-e3, e2-e3, e3-e4, e6-e7, e8-e9). The IFIS and SPHQ-C measurement tools have been adapted into Turkish, and their validity and reliability have been established.

The Impact of Lower Extremity Fatigue on Lower Quadrant Dysfunction and Health Profile in Hairdressers.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is also an important occupational condition for hairdressers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the lower extremity fatigue and related factors in hairdressers. METHODS: Lower Extremity Fatigue was assessed with 2 questions containing a 5-point Likert scale. Numerical fatigue rating scale was used to assess general fatigue level, visual analogue scale was used to assess occupational satisfaction, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to assess health profile, and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess lower quadrant pain profile. RESULTS: In the assessment of lower extremity pain, statistically significant difference was found between Fatigue and Non-fatigue groups in waist (p:0.018), right knee (p:0.020), left knee (p:0.019) and right lower leg (p:0.023) parameters. In the lower extremity Weighted Scores, there were significant differences between the fatigue and non-fatigue groups in waist (p:0.0001), right upper leg (p:0.018), left upper leg (p:0.009), right knee (p:0.0001) left knee (p:0.0001), right lower leg (p:0.001) and left lower leg (p:0.002). The difference in the Energy, Pain and Physical Mobility sub-dimensions of the Nottingham Health Profile of the hairdressers in 'Fatigue Group' was at a significant level. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the rate of lower extremity fatigue found in hairdressers in the present study was quite high and lower extremity fatigue was associated with lower extremity pain and health profile.

Gender differences, ergonomics risks and upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain in hairdressers.

Objectives. This study examined ergonomic risk levels and upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (UQMP) levels of hairdressers, and the difference and correlation between genders. Methods. Volunteers participating in the study were assessed with the descriptive data form, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Results. In total, 229 (female, 26.6%; male, 73.4%) hairdressers participated in the study. Prevalence of the first three frequencies of pain in the musculoskeletal system was 48.5% in the neck, 41.5% in the upper back and 33.6% in the shoulder. The mean DASH score of the hairdressers was 10.75 ± 10.70, quick DASH-work modulated score was 6.85 ± 10.24 and mean ergonomic risk score was moderate to high (5.36 ± 1.22) according to RULA. Although there was no difference in terms of gender in the ergonomic risk level, a higher level of UQMP was significant in females (p < 0.05). RULA score correlated with CMDQ and DASH scores in both genders (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Hairdressers perform their jobs in work environments with moderate to very high ergonomic risk levels. There is a possibility of UQMP in hairdressers, especially females, due to the effect of their movement patterns as a requirement of their profession.

Normal hip, knee and ankle range of motion in the Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of gender and cultural habits on hip, knee and ankle range of motion (ROM) and to determine the differences between the ROM of right and left side symmetric joints of the lower extremities. METHODS: The study included 987 (513 males and 474 females) healthy volunteers. Individuals with a history of illness, prior surgery or trauma involving any joint of either lower extremity were excluded from the study. The terminology and techniques of measurements used were those suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. RESULTS: Left side passive hip flexion and active internal rotation was higher than the right side. Passive flexion of the hip joint was higher in male subjects and internal and external rotation was higher in female subjects. In the knee joint, passive extension was higher in males. Plantarflexion and inversion of the ankle joint were higher in male subjects and dorsiflexion and eversion were higher in female subjects. The differences were considered insignificant in clinical terms as all were less than 3 degrees. CONCLUSION: There is no clinically significantly difference between right and left side hip, knee and ankle joints ROM. Gender and cultural habits do not appear to have clinically significantly effects on lower extremity joint ROM.