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Background Passive physical restraint is frequently used in geriatric care but is known to have detrimental effects. Its application may be influenced or worsened by structural factors, such as staffing shortages. This study aimed to explore the relationship between formal caregiver burden and the use of physical restraint, with particular attention to whether the caregiver was the initiator or the applier of the restraint.Methods Fifteen caregivers assessed their perceived burden in relation to 34 residents across two different care facilities. The data collected included Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores, Iso Resource Group (GIR) scores, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, the number of restraints per resident, and the duration of restraint use.Results Caregiver burden was significantly higher in the presence of physical restraint (β = 14.68; p = 0.005). By contrast, greater caregiver experience (β = – 0.20; p = 0.039) and higher MMSE scores (β = – 0.175; p = 0.005) were associated with reduced burden. Caregivers who physically applied the restraints reported a significantly greater burden (F = 4.60; p = 0.039). Interestingly, the highest burden was observed in the facility with the lowest restraint-to-resident ratio.Discussion These findings suggest that both the use of physical restraint and being the individual who applies them contribute to an increased caregiver burden. However, the relationship between these variables appears to vary by facility and restraint duration, indicating that structural factors may influence the use of restraints and their impact on staff.