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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Athletic Trainer

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Abstract

Introduction Athletic trainers often work for elongated and irregular hours or days, and need to react in emergency situations. These professionals are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study investigated the WMSDs experienced by athletic trainers (ATs), plus related personal and occupational factors. Methods A customized questionnaire with subject’s demographic and WMSDs information was constructed and administered in all accessible ATs in Taiwan. In addition to descriptive analysis of demographics and WMSDs, the relationship between personal/occupational-related factors and WMSD symptoms were also evaluated. Results A total of 146 effective questionnaires were returned. The results indicated that a 48.5% prevalence rate of athletic trainers in Taiwan, and these disorders are mainly located in low back (42%), finger (38%) and shoulder (26%) regions. Logistic regression revealed that average work hour (odds ratio (OR) = 1.834, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.066–3.156) and continue education participation (OR = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.140–0.854) were the most significant predictors for WMSDs occurrence. Performing taping was the most significant predictor for the low back (OR = 28.274, 95% CI: 2.568–311.423) and finger (OR = 19.535, 95% CI:2.273–167.912) symptoms; while performing providing first aid (OR = 12.128, 95% CI:3.881–37.899) was the most significant predictor for the shoulder’s. Conclusion This study revealed that athletic trainers in Taiwan area suffered from high rate of WMSDs, and the relationship between WMSDs and specific job features were reported. Preventive and therapeutic modifications of the work environment to decrease the occurrence of WMSDs are in need for athletic trainers and other similar professions. Further research examining safe patient handling ergonomics, proper equipment in the context of athletic training and professional development strategies must be pursued.

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Conflict of interest

The authors did not have any financial and personal relationship with other people or organization that could inappropriately influence this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan

    Yan-Ying Ju & Yi-Jung Hsieh

  2. Graduate Institute of Early Intervention, Chang Gung University, No. 259 Wen-Hua 1st Rd, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, 333, Taiwan

    Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng

  3. Graduate Institute of Athletic Training and Health, National Taiwan Sport University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan

    Li-Lan Fu

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  1. Yan-Ying Ju
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  2. Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng
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  3. Yi-Jung Hsieh
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  4. Li-Lan Fu
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Correspondence to Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng.

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Ju, YY., Cheng, HY.K., Hsieh, YJ. et al. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Athletic Trainer. J Occup Rehabil 21, 190–198 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-010-9268-y

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