The Effect of Ergonomics and Exercise Training on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Dairy Farmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 3
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity Assessed With the Visual Analogue Scale
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this research is to comparatively examine the effects of ergonomics training and the combined application of ergonomics and structured exercise training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in female farmers actively engaged in milking.
Detailed Description
The study will assign female farmers actively engaged in milking to two groups using a simple randomization method: a control group (ergonomics training) and an experimental group (ergonomics and exercise training). The control group will receive standard ergonomics training aimed at reducing ergonomic risk factors encountered during milking. The experimental group will receive the same ergonomics training as the control group, plus a structured exercise program consisting of stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises. The exercise program will be planned based on progressive loading principles, muscle group-specific exercise selection, set-repetition arrangement, and standardization of rest intervals. The intervention period is 12 weeks, with exercises performed 3 days a week. All participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form, all within the same assessment protocol.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 25 Years to 60 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Female sex
- •Age 25-60 years
- •Actively engaged in dairy milking for at least 5 years
- •Sufficient physical capacity to participate in the education and exercise programme
- •Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •Any diagnosed concomitant musculoskeletal or rheumatological disease affecting any body region, including diagnosed wrist/hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinopathy
- •Any concomitant neurological disease or neurological dysfunction
- •History of surgery involving the musculoskeletal system
- •Any serious systemic disease that would preclude participation
Arms & Interventions
Ergonomics Training Plus Structured Exercise
Participants receive the same ergonomics training as the control group plus a 12-week home-based, equipment-free structured exercise programme performed three non-consecutive days per week. Each session lasts approximately 45-50 minutes and includes warm-up, stretching, postural and scapular control exercises, and progressive calisthenic strengthening exercises.
Intervention: Other: Standardized Ergonomics Training (Other)
Ergonomics Training
Participants receive three individual face-to-face ergonomics training sessions of approximately 60 minutes each at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8. Training addresses appropriate body mechanics, working posture during milking, stool and equipment positioning, load handling, work-rest organization, wrist positioning and musculoskeletal protection. Participants also receive an illustrated brochure and telephone contact every two weeks.
Intervention: Other: Standardized Ergonomics Training (Other)
Ergonomics Training Plus Structured Exercise
Participants receive the same ergonomics training as the control group plus a 12-week home-based, equipment-free structured exercise programme performed three non-consecutive days per week. Each session lasts approximately 45-50 minutes and includes warm-up, stretching, postural and scapular control exercises, and progressive calisthenic strengthening exercises.
Intervention: Other: Standardized Ergonomics Training Plus Structured Exercise Programme (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity Assessed With the Visual Analogue Scale
Time Frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12)
Pain intensity is assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates unbearable pain. Participants rate their overall work-related musculoskeletal pain considering the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire
Time Frame: 14 weeks
It is a scale used to determine the extent of pain in the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this questionnaire is to identify and compare pain and complaints in parts of the body. There is an image showing the 9 parts of the body included in the questionnaire. These body parts; neck, shoulders, back, elbows, hands, waist, hips, knees and feet. The respondents are asked whether they have experienced problems such as pain and discomfort in their body parts in the last 12 months, in the last 4 weeks, and on the day of the assessment, and they are asked to mark this as yes or no.
QuickDASH
Time Frame: 14 weeks
QuickDASH score of the mobility of the arm, shoulder, hand and its function by using the QuickDASH questionnaire. The QuickDASH is scored in two components: the disability/symptom section (11 items, scored 1-5) and the optional high performance sport/music or work modules (4 items, scored 1-5). A higher score indicates greater disability.
Beck Depression Inventory
Time Frame: 14 weeks
The Beck Depression Inventory is a 21-question multiple-choice self-report inventory for measuring the severity of depression. Higher total scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms. The range of scores vary from 0 to 63 (highest possible total) for the whole test. A score of 0 - 10 indicates minimal depression, while a score of over 40 indicates extreme depression. No subscales were used for this outcome.
World Health Organization Quality of Life (Brief)
Time Frame: 14 weeks
The World Health Organization Quality of Life brief is a 16 item quality of life scale covering four domains of QOL. Each item is scored from 1-5 with higher response employing a higher quality of life.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Upper-Limb Functional Disability Assessed With the QuickDASH(Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12))
- Change in Depressive Symptoms Assessed With the Beck Depression Inventory(Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12))
- Change in Quality of Life Assessed With the WHOQOL-BREF(Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12))
- Musculoskeletal Symptom Prevalence Assessed With the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire(Baseline (12-month recall) and week 12 (7-day recall))
Investigators
Doç.Dr.Ömer Şevgin
Assoc.Prof.Dr.
Uskudar University