Standardised Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (SNMQ)

Musculoskeletal data were collected using the self-reported SNMQ. The SNMQ has been previously used to collect workplace musculoskeletal disorder data in nurses [30], dentists [31], podiatrists [32], laboratory technicians [33] physiotherapists [34] and medical science students [2]. The SNMQ has good test-retest reliability (77 to 100% agreement) and validity (80 to 100% agreement) when compared to clinical history [35].

The SNMQ included questions about musculoskeletal problems experienced during work-based training, their impact on participation in daily activities and/or need to seek assistance from a physician or health professional. Musculoskeletal problems were defined as an ache, pain, numbness or discomfort in different body areas over a 12 month and 7 day recall period [36]. Participants were able to report concurrent problems at different body sites within each recall period. Work-based training included all practice education including university-based skill practicums and occupational therapy work-based training (also referred to as placement) external to the university.