Impact of breathing exercises and occupational health training on lung functions and psychological parameters in Polyvinylchloride factory workers: A Randomized controlled trial

Study title: Impact of breathing exercises and occupational health training on lung functions and psychological parameters in Polyvinyl Chloride factory workers: A Randomized controlled trial.

Rationale: Polyvinyl Chloride factory workers are exposed to various occupational hazards such as airborne pollutants and respiratory irritants. Investigating the effects of breathing exercises and occupational health training may reveal preventive measures that can mitigate the negative consequences of occupational exposures, ultimately reducing the risk of respiratory issues and psychological distress among PVC workers.

Aim: To assess and enhance the respiratory health and psychological well-being of PVC factory workers through the implementation of a comprehensive intervention program involving breathing exercises and occupational health training.

Primary objectives:

To design and implement a structured intervention program combining breathing exercises and occupational health training, tailored to the specific needs of PVC factory workers.

To evaluate changes in respiratory health due to the intervention of breathing exercises and occupational health training in PVC factory workers.

To evaluate changes in psychological parameters due to the intervention of breathing exercises and occupational health training in PVC factory workers.

Secondary objectives:

To explore correlations between changes in lung functions and psychological well-being.

To draw conclusions based on the study findings and provide recommendations for the development and implementation of future occupational health programs in PVC factories

Setting: Subjects will be recruited from PVC factory, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Delhi-95.

Study design: Prospective & intervention study

Time frame: April 2024 to August 2025

**Population/participants:**Healthy adult males in the age group of 20 – 40 years working in a PVC factory for at least 1 year.

Sample size: 60 (30 in each group)

Methods: All the participants included in this study will undergo complete physical, clinical and anthropometric assessment; prior to participation. After the clinical evaluation is complete, the study participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria and who sign the informed consent will be recruited for the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group by using a computer-generated random number sequence.

Intervention Group*: They will receive a structured intervention program consisting of breathing exercises and occupational health training. The intervention will be delivered for 3 months.*

Control Group*: They will not receive the intervention and will continue with their usual work routines.*

Both groups will be subjected to pre and post-intervention assessments of lung functions and psychological parameters.

Outcome measures:

Change in lung function parameters after 3 months.

Change in psychological parameters (Anxiety, Depression and Stress score) after 3 months.

 Statistical analysis:  Analysis will be done by the SPSS 20.0 statistic package. Within the group and between the group comparisons will be done by Repeated measure ANOVA followed by TUKEY’S test. P value of less than 0.05 will be considered significant.