Abstract:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of workrelated
injuries among nurses (Chung et al., 2013) and are associated
with pain, loss of function and disability (Sorour & El-Maksoud, 2012).
Musculoskeletal disorders derive from physically demanding tasks such
as helping patients to adjust position, maintaining a bent forward
twisted posture and lifting heavy patients (Cilliers & Maart, 2013;
Jellad et al., 2013; Punnett & Wegman, 2004). Musculoskeletal disorders
can be inflammatory and degenerative disorders affecting the
muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, peripheral nerves, supporting
blood vessels or spinal discs (Anap, Iyer, & Rao, 2013; Punnett
& Wegman, 2004). In this study, we classified work-related MSDs as
any of the above-mentioned injuries occurring on duty and during patient
handling activities.
