Analysis of Movement Patterns in Pediatric Occupational Therapists
Graduation Date
2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Bonnie Napier, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
This manuscript presents an exploratory study of three licensed pediatric occupational therapists and their experiences with work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Two participants were selected from Alameda County California Children Services (CCS) and one participant was selected from Development is Child’s Play in the Northern California area.
Data was retrieved using both a 36-item questionnaire and videotaping procedures. Participants were filmed during two treatment sessions ranging in time from 10 to 50 minutes. Data was collected on the frequency and duration of various body positions and movements used by pediatric occupational therapists during a treatment session as well as their perceptions of work related risk and injury.
Questionnaire results indicated that two of the three participants at the time of the study or over the past year had experienced a work related injury. Data analysis of the videotaped therapy sessions indicated large differences between therapists in the frequency that body positions and movements occurred as well as large differences in the time a therapist held a particular body position throughout the therapy session.
This pilot study was designed to better understand the work demands and ergonomic risks that could be affecting the occupational performance of pediatric occupational therapists. The results of this study highlight the need for further analysis of factors such as years of OT experience, favored treatment approach, and overall health to identify if these or other factors may be contributing to WMSDs.