[ effect of a stretching- strengthening exercise program on decreasing pain index on workers with musculoskeletal complaints]

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability among people during working years which impose high expenses on the society in different aspects. this study was conducted to assess the effect of a stretching- strengthening exercise program on decreasing pain index on workers with musculoskeletal complaints. This quasi-experimental study was done on cleaning unit workers in one of the factories producing hygiene instruments in Shiraz in 2006. All the fifty four employees were considered in our study. First, all workers were evaluated by the physiatrist under complete musculoskeletal examination and pain intensity was assessed by VAS and BPI indices. After 3 months, to confirm the chronicity of symptoms, the second examination was done and then exercise program was recommended for 3 months. The collected results were analyzed by SPSS software and non-parametric Wilcoxon test. The primary mean of the VAS index was 5.00 +/- 2.27cm while after 3 months it was raised to 5.32 +/- 2.76 cm and reduced to 1.98 +/- 2.07 after doing exercise program, which is a significant decline [p<0.001]. Mean of different indices of BPI showed significant decrease after completing exercise program [p<0.001]. Doing an exercise program based on type of work, and availability of facilities in work environment is effective in decreasing musculoskeletal complaints as a primary cause of disability among workers