O-204 CLOSING THE GAPS: DID THE ONLINE PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC AND ERGONOMIC INTERVENTIONS HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYEES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY?

Abstract

Onsite clinics play a crucial role in the provision of Occupational health services through Physiotherapists trained in Ergonomics for managing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs), which acts as a substantial source of the economic drain in the Information Technology (IT) sector. However, during and post the COVID-19 pandemic the onsite Physiotherapy cum Ergonomic services moved online for most of the IT companies. A retrospective analysis was done on the data gathered from 2020 to 2022 in IT companies, where online services of physiotherapists trained in ergonomics were done to address the WRMSDs for the employees. The data collected were demographic details, Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (NMQ), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for measuring pain. The employees who had pain/discomfort consulted the Physiotherapist online and based on the severity, activity modifications, graded exercises and self-soft tissue releases, rest, icing/hot packs, supportive braces, and postural/ergonomic modifications were recommended. Followup consultation was done weekly and 1&3 months later. Among the 775 employees analyzed, the majority were males (72%) with a median age of 38.5 years reporting a median VAS 6. Most reported were low back pain (64%). 85% of the employees had significant pain reduction (P<0.05). Activity modifications (85%) and Graded exercises (90%) were the predominant interventions given online. Only 8% of the employees had a recurrence in the 3rd month follow-up. Online interventions by Physiotherapists trained in ergonomics had a significant impact on the outcomes of pain among IT employees, which can pave the way for closing the gaps in managing WRMSDs.