Effect of the Prevention Programs for Musculoskeletal Disorders in one Farming Village / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to introduce the prevention programs for musculoskeletal disorders in one farming village. METHODS: We visited the village hall 12 times and gave an education program 9 times to residents. At the beginning, the middle, and the end of the program, we evaluated musculoskeletal disorders by doctors, musculoskeletal pains using the visual analogue scale, muscular strengths and flexibilities and musculoskeletal functions using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Fifty seven residents participated in this program at least one time, 20 (35.1%) were males and 37 (64.9%) were females. The mean age of participants is 60.7 (+/-8.1). Forty three residents were evaluated by doctors at least one time. Thirty three residents were diagnosed to at least one musculoskeletal disease. The severity of pains of neck-shoulders, low backs, and leg-knees tended to decline while 3 tests went by and those of the 3rd test are less severe than the 1st test statistically significantly (p<0.05). Musculoskeletal functions were improved as tests went by but not differed statistically significantly. Muscular strengths and flexibilities were better in the 1st than the 3rd test statistically significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the program were held in off-season for farmers and the number of participants are small, through the program, musculoskeletal pains and functions were improved and muscular strengths and flexibilities were strengthened. We think that the program needs to be held during the busy farming season as well as the off-season.

The Effects of an Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Cardiopulmonary Function and Life Satisfaction for Adult Women

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the effects of an exercise program on physical fitness, cardiopulmonary function and life satisfaction for adult women. METHOD: The exercise program combined dance and resistance training. The subject group consisted of 114 women aged between 33 and 60. Three 8-week sessions consisted of 55-80% HR max for 60-90 minutes a day and 3 times a week from March to November, 2004. Data were collected through pre- and post-exercise tests before and after each session. Data were collected with dynamometer, sphygmomamometer, spirometer and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed employing descriptive statistics and paired t-test with SPSS/PC(10.0version) program. RESULTS: There were significantly positive changes in muscle strength, flexibility, balance quality, forced vital capacity and life satisfaction, but no significantly positive changes in agility and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: This study showed that an exercise program has partially positive effects for adult women. The results of this study suggest that there should be programs of continuous exercise at community health centers for adult women's health.