Assessing the physiological strain of physical therapists according to work experience: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physiological response of physical therapists to compare the physiological workload within three groups of varying work experience and their comparative physiological responses during a 15-minute recovery period. Methods Thirty therapists participated in the present study. They were divided into three groups with varying levels of work experience: 1) EC group = 2-6 years), 2) MC group = 7-11 years), and 3) LC group = over 11 years). Each group included 10 subjects comprised of both males and females. Each therapist treats one hemiplegic patient for 20 minutes using a passive range of motion protocol and then rest for 15 minutes. The maximum voluntary contraction on trapezius and deltoid muscles were tested using electromyography before and after treatment. During treatment, the muscle workload, muscle fatigue, and cardiovascular load were measured. The perceived workload was assessed using a subjective workload index (SWI) questionnaire following treatment. Results The three work experience groups of physical therapists performed a similar workload. The SWI corresponded well with physiological measurement. The muscle capacity after treatment of the EC group was significantly lower than that of the MC group (p Conclusions The physical therapists worked with a moderate, objectified workload. A 15-minute rest period brought the cardiovascular load below 30% and lowered fatigue in the right deltoids. This result may indicate a musculoskeletal disorder warning signal for the physical therapists.