Does adherence to workplace-based exercises alter physical capacity, pain intensity and productivity?

Abstract

Study design: This is a prospective study.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of adherence to a workplace-based exercise programme on physical capacity, pain intensity and productivity.

Methods: Forty office workers were evaluated for shoulder strength, endurance and pain intensity before and both 12 and 24 weeks after the onset of the exercise programme. The workers were asked about their productivity. A 15-min programme was offered twice a week for 24 weeks. Each session consisted of warm-up, strengthening and stretching exercises. The participants were divided into three groups based on the level of adherence: low (0–33%), medium (34–67%) and high (>67%).

Results: The shoulder strength increased from baseline to the end of the 12 weeks independently of the level of adherence, but the increase in strength was only maintained at the 24-week in the groups with medium and high adherence. Endurance was significantly longer in the high adherence group compared to the low adherence group. No differences were found regarding neck and shoulder pain intensity independently of the level of adherence to the exercise programme. According to the workers’ reports, the programme did not interfere with their productivity.

Conclusions: The workplace-based exercises led to increases in shoulder strength and endurance, but did not reduce pain. The increases in strength and endurance were dependent on the level of adherence to the exercise programme. The break from work activities to participate in the exercise programme did not interfere with productivity.

Keywords:

• Muscle strength
• dynamometer
• musculoskeletal diseases
• workplace

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.