ABSTRACT

Objective：This study was performed in order to identify the factors related to the musculoskeletal symptoms of occupational therapists.Methods：We surveyed the musculoskeletal symptoms and their related factors for 127 occupational therapists working in the Department of Occupational Therapy located in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do from March 6 to 27, 2007.Results：The musculoskeletal symptoms of occupational therapists’ hands/wrists/fingers were significantly influenced when no assistants were available and when the therapists conducted many upper limb functionality development treatments. The influential factors on the shoulders were in conducting many changes to the body positions of their patients. The influential factors on the neck were no available assistants, many changes to the positions of their patients, and a high level of job stress regarding their physical environment. And the influential factors on the lower back were changes to the positions of their patients and many sensory integration therapy sessions.Conclusion：Comprehensive and systematic management plans should be established, which include both socio-psychological and ergonomic aspects, so that these risk factors can be detected, prevented, and managed in their early stages, and musculoskeletal diseases can be prevented.