The aim of this study was to assess the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (SMD) on gym teachers, and its association with working hours, gender, and job function. The study was cross-sectional and relied on 54 gym teachers of both sexes. We used a questionnaire containing demographic and occupational data. The SMD was verified using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The questionnaire was self-applied in the workplace. The mean age of subjects was 31.2 (± 6.9) years. It was found that 41 teachers (75.9%) reported SMD in at least one anatomical region in the past 12 months. The anatomic region most often cited was the lumbar (24 patients, 44.4%). One in every three employees took sick leave from work, and 22 subjects (40.7%) consulted a health care professional in the past 12 months, due to the SMD. Working more than 8 hours a day, and exercising two or more functions were closely related to SMD in the lumbar region. The results showed that musculoskeletal disorders were prevalent among physical education teachers working in academies. The severity of the SMD could be gauged by the frequency of sick leave from work.
Cumulative trauma disorders; physical education; occupational health; occupational risks
