• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.314-318
• /
• 2018

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the health industry are quite common, however, there have only been a few studies regarding physiotherapists, while in Greece, there is an apparent lack of research and data. The aim of this study is to investigate MSDs experienced by physiotherapists in Greece, their causes and specific measures, and good practices followed. Additional emerging risk factors will be examined. Methods: A questionnaire of MSDs followed by individual and workplace characteristics was completed by 252 physiotherapists. It covered the major workplace categories such as public hospitals, private rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Results: Analysis indicated that 89% of the respondents had experienced a work-related MSD; 32.2% of those injuries occurred within the first 5 years of working. The most lumbered physiotherapists were those working as private practitioners and almost half of the injured respondents chose to work while injured. The most common measure taken to tackle work related MSDs was found to be physical therapy sessions. Job satisfaction and psychosocial issues were also identified as side-effects of the economic slowdown. Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Greece were found to suffer from MSDs; workplace musculoskeletal injuries were quite common but under-reported. The body parts most affected were the lower back, the upper back, the shoulders, and the neck. There was a strong correlation between the workplace setting and the number of MSDs. A well-defined occupational safety and health management system and strict administration steering were found to reduce MSDs. The economic slowdown experienced in Greece during the execution of this study placed additional pressure on physiotherapists.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 2024

Background: This study compared orthopedic physiotherapists from different working institutions regarding their health status and burnout syndrome to understand the work-related factors that affect health status and burnout syndrome Methods: This study was conducted from October 28 to November 13, 2022, focusing on physiotherapists working in medical institutions located in metropolitan areas, such as Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. A total of 591 questionnaires were analyzed. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the basics of physical therapy, general matters, types of working institutions, health conditions, and burnout syndrome. Results: No significant difference was detected in health self-awareness status whether the working institution was a clinic, nursing hospital, hospital, oriental hospital, general hospital, or university hospital. Among the burnout factors, nursing hospitals showed the highest scores for retirement demands, work unfavorability, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and reasons for work because of salary. By contrast, university hospitals showed the highest enthusiasm and other institutions showed the lowest enthusiasm for work. In particular, in terms of enthusiasm, scores were significantly more positive in university hospitals than in other institutions. Conclusion: A management plan for burnout for orthopedic manual physiotherapists working in nursing hospitals is needed, and future research will examine the health status of orthopedic manual physiotherapists and work that may affect burnout syndrome. An exploration of management measures, such as health promotion and burnout syndrome prevention, is needed that adds other items, such as differences in environment and differences in the number and disease severity of patients

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to look into relationship between image of physiotherapist and self-esteem of physiotherapy students and desirable image of physiotherapists offer to establish basic materials. METHODS: The subjects of this study are consist of 603 students of department of Physical therapy university and college in Busan and Kim-hae. Data are collected from June 9 to July 9 in 2011 by structured questionnaires. RESULTS: The result are as follows. 1. at the physiotherapist image score, the highest score question is "Physiotherapist is specialist"(3.45) and the lowest score question is "Physiotherapist is treated samely with doctor"(2.15). 2. at the self-esteem score, the highest score question is "I think that I am at least as valuable as others"(3.37) and the lowest score question is "I can be poorly sometimes"(2.81). 3. at the static results of physiotherapist image score gap by general characteristics, there are significantly different in gender(t=2.27, p=.02), similar profession distinction(t=4.30, p=.00), major satisfaction(t=5.74, p=.00), school system (t=-2.54, p=.01). 4. at the static results of self-esteem score gap by general characteristics, there are significantly different in years (f=5.14, p=.00), gender(t=4.09, p=.00), religion(f=2.87, p=.04), similar profession distinction(t=3.97, p=.00), major satisfaction(t=4.26, p=.00). 5. at the static results of good reputation of physiotherapists increase self-esteem of physiotherapy students score question are significantly different(r=0.53, p=.00). CONCLUSION: Accordingly, these results of this study that there is a very correlation between image of physiotherapist and self-esteem of physiotherapy students. Therefore, good reputation of physiotherapists increase self-esteem of physiotherapy students.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.225-231
• /
• 2021

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the type of physical therapist response work and its intensity, along with the prolonged prevalence of COVID-19, to determine the impact on physical therapists' occupational stress and occupational burnout. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 118 physiotherapists and collected the participants' gender, final educational background, clinical work experience, workplace type, additional workload, and fatigue associated with COVID-19. After excluding one participant who submitted an incomplete questionnaire, 117 respondents were included in the final data. Results: Additional COVID-19-related workloads and response reliability for fatigue, occupational burnout, and occupational stress were shown to have Cronbach's alpha measures of 0.76, 0.89, and 0.87, respectively. Groups who had experienced a new epidemic in the past showed higher fatigue levels (3.06±0.94) than those groups who had no such experience (2.49±0.84; p < 0.05). Correlation analysis of COVID-19 work fatigue and occupational burnout scales showed a positive correlation (r = 0.19; p < 0.05). The regression of occupational burnout and occupational stress showed a regression model of Y = 20.00+0.43X₁ (X₁: job stress; p< 0.05) and an explanatory power of 24.8% with an adj.R² = 0.25. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested that various institutions, such as medical institutions, educational institutions, and physiotherapists' associations, should seek ways to manage and alleviate physiotherapists' stress.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.51 no.5
• /
• pp.293-307
• /
• 2018

Physiotherapy has recently become an essential part of enhanced recovery protocols after thoracic surgery. The evidence-based practice of physiotherapy is essential for the effective management of postoperative patients. Unfortunately, only a small body of literature has discussed the rationale of the physiotherapy interventions that are routinely implemented following thoracic surgery. Nonetheless, we can integrate the available knowledge into our practice until new evidence emerges. Therefore, in this review, the principles of physiotherapy after thoracic surgery are presented, along with a detailed description of physiotherapy interventions, with the goals of enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of physiotherapists in postoperative care units and helping them to re-evaluate and justify their traditional practices.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.21-31
• /
• 2013

Background: The purpose of this survey is to determine the job and task satisfaction of physiotherapists. These are important factors because they are directly connected to both morale and work efficiency. Methods: Data was collected from March 9th, 2013 to April 15th, 2013 using self-administered questionnaires. First, Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to evaluate date reliability. Further data analysis used mean and standard deviation to determine frequency and satisfaction for each characteristic. To determine the significance of job and task satisfaction, T-test and an analysis of variance were performed. Also, regression analysis was used to find out a relation between job satisfaction of physiotherapist and task satisfaction of orthopaedic physical therapy. Result: This survey includes results from 197 physiotherapists who engage in orthopaedic physical therapy from major, medium and small cities. The general characteristics of survey respondents include: 112 males (56.9%), 85 females (43.1%); 123 in their twenties (62.4%), 56 in their thirties (28.4%), and 18 over forty (9.1%); 156 had less than five years work experience in orthopaedics, 25 had six to ten years, and 16 had more than eleven years work experience. In the physiotherapist's job satisfaction survey (out of 5), males averaged 3.71 and females averaged 3.43. Individuals with less than five years in the career averaged 3.5, 3.69 for between 6 to 10 years in career, 3.87 for over 11 years in career; this showed a significant difference. Results of the sub-factors of job satisfaction were 3.81 for self-esteem and 3.21 for prospect of occupation. Results of task satisfaction in orthopaedic therapy showed a significant difference between 4.03 for males and 3.66 for females. For sub-factors of task satisfaction scores were 3.81 for vision, 4.29 for task adoption, and 3.57 for task recognition. Conclusion: Physiotherapists will be satisfied when their motivation to work and morale are increased by concerns such as improving the education environment, expert physiotherapist adoption issue, and medical law revision.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.53-62
• /
• 2020

Background: Pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) has fewer systematic guidelines than pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, previous studies have not evaluated physical therapy for this ailment in Korea. Objects: We aimed to provide a detailed account of clinical decision making by Korean physiotherapists while treating PLBP. Methods: In total, 955 questionnaires were distributed mainly in places of continuing education held by the Korean Physical Therapy Association from April to July 2019. The same questionnaire was posted on a website used by physiotherapists. We collected subject information, a specific Vignette typically represent symptoms of PLBP, and responses to multiple questions about decision making, subjective recognition and interest level in the field of women's health physiotherapy (WHPT). Results: The overall response rate was 56% (n = 537); of these, responses to 520 questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents chose various combinations of physical therapy methods. There were significant differences in subjective recognition levels of WHPT according to gender (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.01), education level (p < 0.01), and clinical experience (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in interest according to gender (p < 0.01) and education level (p < 0.01). With respect to the types of treatment, significant differences were noted in selective rates for "manual therapy", "pain control", and "supportive devices" based on gender. Manual therapy tended to be chosen more with increasing age and clinical experience. With increased education level, there were fewer choices for the use of pain control. Conclusion: This is the first data on how Korean physiotherapists manage PLBP patients using the vignette method. We were able to recognize the Korean physical therapist's decision on PLBP patients, and observed statistically significant correlations. This may aid in developing future research and education plans in the WHPT field.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.193-201
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare dementia awareness among physiotherapists and occupational therapists who treat dementia patients and provide opportunities to increase dementia awareness as medical technicians, expand the scope of treatment, and enhance professionalism. Methods: An online survey was conducted from January 8th to 19th, 2021 for physical therapists who are members of the Korean Physical Therapist Association and Occupational therapists who are members of the Korean Occupational Therapists Association. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program. To verify the difference in the awareness of dementia among medical technicians, a t-test was performed, and the chi-square test was used to analyze the difference in the responses for each question. Results: In this study, occupational therapists had a significantly higher average and standard deviation than physical therapists. Occupational therapists also had a significantly higher level of dementia awareness, including dementia symptom-related, dementia disease-related, and dementia therapy knowledge. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that various educational initiatives and systems should be developed to help medical professionals increase their awareness and interest on dementia as a community, which can enable them to move in the same treatment direction with a common goal.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.73-82
• /
• 2017

PURPOSE: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) has been shown to improve body function and activity/participation in people with functional dysfunctions. This study evaluates if active exercise using theraband in PNF pattern may induce similar benefits as exercise using manual PNF pattern performed by physiotherapists on promoting mobility, balance and fear of fall in community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Twenty-three community-dwelling elderly with independent activities of daily living were recruited and randomly allocated into either PNF group - exercise in PNF pattern by trained physiotherapists or Theraband-PNF (T-PNF) group - exercise using theraband in PNF pattern, for an hour, twice weekly for 4 weeks. Functional outcomes such as Timed Up and Go test, Elderly Mobility Scale, Berg balance scale, functional reach and subjective measures including fear of fall (FOF) scale, bodily pain in visual analogue scale were measured pre and post-program. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants completed the program. PNF group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all subjective measures and objective measures. Similar within-group improvements were demonstrated in all outcome measures except FOFS in T-PNF group. However, no between-group differences were found in any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Comparable improvements in functional outcomes in community dwelling elderly were demonstrated in both groups. As manual PNF exercise traditionally need clinicians' contact and feedback on patient which limit the training to be carried out extensively in community setting. The current findings suggest that exercise using theraband in PNF pattern is feasible to be adopted as self-practice exercise for community-dwelling elderly to induce beneficial effects on functional outcomes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.81-88
• /
• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this paper is to review the continuing education (CE) for physiotherapists and especially to draw attention to the perception and need of the education so that the present study aimed to provide information for improving the education program. Methods : The study obtained information from CE of the Korea Physical Therapy Association held in Gwangju on April 12 and July 19, 2015 to understand the perception and needs of CE. Present study showed that 431 out of 563 people who answered to the survey, with a 76.5 % response rate. Among them, 350 people were selected for the final analysis, except for questionnaires whose responses were insufficient. Among them, the level of perception of CE was 238, excluding 112 people who did not receive an education in 2014. Results : The perception of CE according to experience showed a weak positive correlation in questions 1 (r=.244), 5 (r=.244) and 10 (r=1.129) (p<.05). There was no significant correlation in questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11 (p>.05). The needs of CE according to experience showed weak negative correlations in musculoskeletal system (r=-.141), nervous system (r=-.136), geriatric (r=-.117), oriental physical therapy (r=-.130), and other new technologies (r=-.232) (p<.05). Basic education, pediatric, cardiopulmonary system, sports, physical agents, and women's fields were not significantly correlated (p>.05). Conclusion : There was little or no significant correlation between perception and needs for the CE based on physical therapists' experiences. Current research suggests that for a CE for physical therapists, the perception of education should first be renovated, and then the quality of education should also be improved based on the need of them.