Minimizing Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Health Care Professionals with Education on Physical Activity Recommendations
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Lucas Morgan
Presentation Format
Event
Abstract/Description
Working in healthcare settings that require patient handling is physically demanding. Over 80% of providers involved in patient handling report work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Injuries, or exacerbation of previous injury, may occur if the individual cannot tolerate the heavy workloads. Injuries that cause lost work time, or work restrictions, impact the healthcare team, may alter quality of life, and impact employee income. An effective method in minimizing these effects is prevention of WMSDs. Training providers in the use of proper body mechanics, patient handling, and engaging in regular exercise designed to increase muscular strength and endurance through resistance training improves tissue tolerance to loads. Graded exposure to resistance training builds muscle strength and mass, increases bone density, and improves the overall functioning of the body. Education of future healthcare providers is essential to improving their knowledge base and ultimately reducing risk of injury. Nursing students enrolled in a basic skills course will be provided with information pertaining to injury risks linked to patient handling, appropriate handling techniques, as well as the importance of exercise. A hands-on training lab will be implemented to develop essential skills related to patient handling. The nursing students will be given a pre and post survey to assess their knowledge and the effectiveness of intervention through education.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Minimizing Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Health Care Professionals with Education on Physical Activity Recommendations
Working in healthcare settings that require patient handling is physically demanding. Over 80% of providers involved in patient handling report work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Injuries, or exacerbation of previous injury, may occur if the individual cannot tolerate the heavy workloads. Injuries that cause lost work time, or work restrictions, impact the healthcare team, may alter quality of life, and impact employee income. An effective method in minimizing these effects is prevention of WMSDs. Training providers in the use of proper body mechanics, patient handling, and engaging in regular exercise designed to increase muscular strength and endurance through resistance training improves tissue tolerance to loads. Graded exposure to resistance training builds muscle strength and mass, increases bone density, and improves the overall functioning of the body. Education of future healthcare providers is essential to improving their knowledge base and ultimately reducing risk of injury. Nursing students enrolled in a basic skills course will be provided with information pertaining to injury risks linked to patient handling, appropriate handling techniques, as well as the importance of exercise. A hands-on training lab will be implemented to develop essential skills related to patient handling. The nursing students will be given a pre and post survey to assess their knowledge and the effectiveness of intervention through education.