Overview
Key words: Injury prevalence; manual therapy; chiropractors; overexertion; online survey
Timeline: December 2017 - present
Researchers: Samuel Howarth (Principal Investigator, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC)), Silvano Mior (CMCC) Sheilah Hogg-Johnson (CMCC)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed grant
Partner: Ontario Chiropractic Association
Sector/Workplace type: Healthcare
Theme:
Theme
2 -
Risk
factors
Background/rationale
Healthcare workers, such as chiropractors, utilizing manual therapeutic procedures are subjected to considerable physical loads. Older research suggests chiropractors sustain musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from their clinical practice. Better understanding of risk factors could improve workplace ergonomics, mitigate injuries, decrease costs.
Research question/objectives/methods
This study aims to determine prevalence, bodily distribution, duration, and severity of MSDs in practicing Ontario chiropractors through a custom-designed online survey. Additional information will be obtained regarding biomechanical and/or practice modifications made by chiropractors with work-related MSD. Members of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) will be invited to participate in the survey which will include both closed-ended and open-ended questions and the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. These data will be critical in facilitating the development of safer manual therapeutic procedures for chiropractors and other healthcare workers.
Key findings
In progress
Implications for the prevention of MSD
In progress
Knowledge dissemination
In progress
Contact
For more information please contact Samuel Howarth at showarth@cmcc.ca.