Prevalence of Upper Quadrant Musculoskeletal Disorders among Healthcare Professionals in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are vulnerable to acquire musculoskeletal disorders during their
work routine. Shortage of HCPs, long working hours and mandatory overtime results in overburden on those
available, especially during pandemic such as in COVID -19. Objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence
of upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders (UQMSDs) among HCPs.
Methodology: A total of 370 HCPs including doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and nurses were evaluated for
the presence of trigger points (TrPs) in upper trapezius, levator scapula, infraspinatus and sternocleidomastoid
muscles, severity of pain (NPRS), neck disability (NDI) and cervical and shoulder ROM (goniometer).
Results: The prevalence rate of UQMSDs was found to be high among HCPs. TrPs were more prevalent in upper
trapezius muscle (46.21%) followed by levator scapulae, infraspinatus and sternocleidomastoid muscles. 4.1% of
HCPs reported severe pain, 16.7% reported moderate pain and 48.36% reported mild pain in upper quadrant.
0.8% of HCPs had complete, 1.2% had severe, 5.3% had moderate and 37.6% had mild neck disability. The cervical
rotation and shoulder horizontal adduction ROM were found to be more restricted among HCPs.