ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate both the psychosocial and physical effects of muscle strengthening exercise on farmers, and in so doing evaluate their effect on musculoskeletal disorders in farmers. METHODS: 28 subjects participated in our muscle strengthening exercise program. Mean age of subjects was 63+/-13 years. The exercise program was performed 3 times a week during the 8 week studys period. Before and after training various measurements were made: self esteem scale (SES), psychosocial wellbeing index short form (PWI-SF), static and dynamic balance ability, grip strength, arm curl, time up and go (TUG), functional reach, and oswestry disability index. RESULTS: The muscle strengthening exercise program increased the self-esteem, grip strength and static and dynamic balance of subjects, while psychosocial stress and low back pain levels were decreased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The muscle strengthening exercise improved psychosocial and physical status of test subjects. Thus, exercise may be an effective strategy for enhancing the psychosocial and physical health of farmers.