Ergonomic Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Rehabilitation Staff During Patient Handling and Therapy Activities

Abstract

This study evaluated ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among rehabilitation staff during patient handling and therapy activities at a private medical centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 rehabilitation staff, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and therapy assistants. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and observational ergonomic tools, namely Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using Jamovi. Forward bending during patient handling showed the highest ergonomic risk exposure (mean 3.15, SD 0.853), followed by torso twisting during lifting or transfer (mean 3.05, SD 0.973). Thirty respondents (75%) reported work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomic awareness was moderate (mean 2.92, SD 0.997). Strong positive correlations were found among the major ergonomic risk factors, with the strongest association between torso twisting and working in a stooped or crouched position (r = 0.789, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that rehabilitation staff are routinely exposed to multiple, overlapping ergonomic stressors in daily clinical work. Structured ergonomic training, safer patient handling practices, and organizational support are needed to reduce injury risk and improve occupational safety.