Physical therapists versus nurses in a rehabilitation hospital: comparing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and working conditions.

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and work avoidance of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and to compare patient handling tasks and psychosocial factors of physical therapists (PTs) and nurses in a rehabilitation hospital. Cross-sectional observational study was carried out using questionnaires relating to basic demographics, prevalence of musculoskeletal morbidity, workload, and job satisfaction. Comparing 26 PTs and 54 nurses, all females, lower back pain was significantly more prevalent in PTs, even after adjusting for the confounding demographic factors; PTs performed full and partial manual patient transfer, as well as trunk bending and walking assistance more frequently than the nurses and were significantly more satisfied. Unique physical load could be the main factor for the high prevalence of lower back pain in PTs. They should urgently initiate a "no-lift policy" in treatment.