Date of Award
Summer 8-15-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
PhD Health Sciences
Department
Health and Medical Sciences
Advisor
Genevieve Pinto Zipp PT, EdD, FNAP
Committee Member
Deborah A. DeLuca, MS, JD
Committee Member
Jillian Duff PT, Ph.D.
Keywords
ergonomics, barriers, risk factors, work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), sonographers.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to describe level of ergonomic knowledge, perceived barriers, and readiness to implement ergonomic principles among diagnostic medical sonographers in the United States. Method: A concurrent nested quantitative/qualitative mixed-methods design was employed. A convenience sample of 184 sonographers completed surveys, including the Ergonomic Knowledge Questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while a systematic random sample of 109 qualitative responses was coded thematically. Results: Quantitatively, 64% of sonographers scored between 60%–80% on ergonomic knowledge, while 25.3% scored above 80%, indicating generally sufficient knowledge. Despite this, 57% reported musculoskeletal pain in the last 12 months, and 40.3% indicated that pain prevented them from performing normal work. Logistic regression showed ergonomic knowledge was a significant predictor of reporting pain (p = .027). Qualitative analysis identified four barriers: operational (time pressures, workload), patient-related (obesity, immobility), resource-based (equipment limitations), and organizational (lack of support). Conclusion: Although sonographers demonstrate sufficient ergonomic knowledge, barriers limit the application of this knowledge in practice, contributing to high rates of MSD pain.
Recommended Citation
Bukhari, Areej, "Exploring Level of Ergonomic Knowledge of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Barriers to Implementation" (2026). Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). 4451.
https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/4451
