A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Female Physiotherapists in the Delhi NCR: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among physiotherapists (PTs) in Delhi, NCR, have become a significant concern due to their impact on occupational health and productivity. Female physiotherapists, constituting a significant portion of the workforce in Delhi NCR, face distinct challenges exacerbated by ergonomic stressors, societal roles, and organizational dynamics. WRMSDs not only affect personal well-being but also compromise professional efficacy and patient care quality, making it imperative to investigate their prevalence and associated risk factors in this population Objectives: In this study, the primary objective is to assess the prevalence of WMSDs among female physiotherapists in the Delhi NCR region and identify the associated risk factors. This research aims to provide valuable insights that can inform the development of effective preventive strategies and occupational health policies. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1st to June 25th, 2024, employing both online and paper-based surveys. Online surveys were distributed via Google Forms on platforms such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and other social media channels. Printed questionnaires, including the Modified Nordic Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire-12, were distributed in clinics and hospitals across Delhi, NCR, to gather data on occupational injuries among physiotherapists. Out of 150 total responses received, 78 were from online submissions and 32 from offline sources. After excluding 40 incomplete or unclear responses, 110 valid responses were included in the final analysis. Results: The survey of female physiotherapists in Delhi, NCR, revealed a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A significant proportion of participants reported symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Key contributing factors included ergonomic stressors such as prolonged standing (30%), repetitive movements (45%), and poor workspace design (25%). Additionally, psychosocial factors such as job stress (35%) and organizational culture (20%) were important determinants. Individual factors like age, years of experience, and physical fitness levels also showed varying degrees of association with the prevalence of WRMSDs. Discussion: In the discussion section, the findings are contextualized within the broader literature on occupational health and musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals. The study’s results corroborate existing evidence, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of physiotherapists to WRMSDs due to the nature of their work. The discussion explores the implications of ergonomic interventions, organizational policies, and educational initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among female physiotherapists in Delhi, NCR. Furthermore, the gender-specific challenges faced by women in balancing professional demands with societal roles are critically examined, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to promote occupational health and well-being in this demographic. Recommendations for future research and practical strategies for improving workplace conditions and enhancing musculoskeletal health outcomes are also discussed. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial burden of WMSDs among female physiotherapists in the Delhi NCR region and identifies key risk factors contributing to this occupational health issue. There is a critical need for targeted interventions, including ergonomic improvements, education, and policy changes, to address these challenges and enhance the well-being of female physiotherapists

Introduction

This study examines the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among female physiotherapists in Delhi NCR.

WRMSDs are occupational injuries affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints due to repetitive movements, awkward postures, manual handling, and prolonged physical work. Physiotherapists are particularly vulnerable because of repetitive manual therapy, patient lifting, and poor ergonomic conditions. Symptoms commonly include pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced mobility in the neck, shoulders, back, wrists, and knees. Psychosocial factors such as job stress and workplace culture further increase the risk. Prevention focuses on ergonomic improvements, proper body mechanics, healthy work habits, and early treatment.

The study highlights that female physiotherapists face additional challenges due to gender-specific responsibilities, making them more susceptible to WRMSDs. These disorders negatively affect job satisfaction, productivity, career longevity, and the quality of patient care. Limited workplace resources and inadequate ergonomic support further complicate prevention efforts.

The research aimed to:

• Determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among female physiotherapists in Delhi NCR.
• Identify occupational, ergonomic, and individual risk factors.
• Assess the impact of WRMSDs on professional life and job satisfaction.
• Evaluate existing preventive measures.
• Recommend evidence-based interventions and improvements in workplace health policies.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 female physiotherapists aged 20–40 years from hospitals and healthcare centers in Delhi NCR. Data were collected using the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and an occupational injuries questionnaire. After excluding incomplete responses, 110 valid questionnaires were analyzed.

The findings showed that most participants were aged 20–30 years (58.07%), with an average height of 159.97 cm and weight of 62.56 kg. Most participants (71.2%) had a normal BMI, while 14.4% were overweight and smaller proportions were obese or underweight. Physiotherapists worked in diverse settings, with the largest group employed in private physical therapy clinics (26.1%), followed by public hospitals (20.8%), university hospitals (16.9%), home care (15.8%), and pediatric rehabilitation centers (12.4%).

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, duration, and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among female physiotherapists in the Delhi NCR region. The data reveals significant variability in the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues across different body regions, highlighting the diverse impact of occupational hazards on this professional group. Neck and lower back problems emerge as particularly prevalent, affecting a substantial proportion of physiotherapists on a daily basis. Shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, upper back, hip/thigh, knee, and ankle/foot issues also demonstrate considerable incidence across varying durations, underscoring the pervasive nature of musculoskeletal discomfort among these healthcare providers. Ergonomic stressors such as prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and inadequate workspace design are identified as significant contributors to these musculoskeletal issues. Specifically, 30% of respondents attribute their discomfort to prolonged standing, while 45% cite repetitive movements, and 25% point to inadequate workspace design. These findings corroborate existing literature on the physical demands and ergonomic challenges inherent in physiotherapy practice. Psychosocial factors, including job stress (35%) and organizational culture (20%), are identified as crucial determinants influencing the prevalence of WRMSDs among female physiotherapists. This underscores the complex interplay between physical and psychosocial aspects in the development of occupational injuries within this profession. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions is essential for enhancing occupational health and well-being among physiotherapy professionals. Moreover, individual characteristics such as age, years of experience, and physical fitness levels show varying degrees of association with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Tailored interventions focusing on these individual factors, coupled with ergonomic adjustments, hold promise for mitigating the risk of WRMSDs among physiotherapists. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of WRMSDs among female physiotherapists in Delhi, NCR. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive workplace interventions that address both physical and psychosocial aspects to foster a healthier and safer working environment for physiotherapy professionals. By understanding and mitigating these factors, healthcare organizations can promote the well-being of their physiotherapy workforce and improve the overall quality of patient care. Future research should continue to explore effective strategies for preventing and managing WRMSDs in this demanding yet vital healthcare profession.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Preeti Kumari, Dr. V. Krishna Reddy. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.