Functional training improves the effectiveness of stretching programs for university cleaning staff

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether combining a structured stretching program with functional movement/body position training would yield additive effects on flexibility, ergonomic practices, and subjective pain levels for employees at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.Design/methodology/approachNine control and 13 experimental university cleaning staff participated in a 10-week full-body stretching intervention led by undergraduate students. Experimental participants also engaged in functional movement/body position training once per week. Joint range of motion, task ergonomic form, pain level, and stretching motivation results were compared pre- and post-intervention.FindingsOverall flexibility (+25.75 ± 3.33%) and task ergonomic form (+26.3 ± 10.5%) significantly improved and were negatively correlated with pain levels (r = −0.541 and r = −0.317, respectively). Experimental participants experienced greater improvements in shoulder (control: +16.8 ± 9.0%; experimental: +64.2 ± 11.5%) and hip (control: +31.4 ± 9.9%; experimental: +91.2 ± 19.9%) flexibility as well as in task-specific ergonomic form for vertical (control: +0.0 ± 5.3%; experimental: +35.2 ± 10.1%) and horizontal wiping (control: −4.7 ± 4.7%; experimental: +29.0 ± 7.8%). Intrinsic motivation was increased for both groups (+26.2 ± 15.4%).Originality/valueSupplementing a workplace stretching program with functional movement/body position training has the potential to improve flexibility and decrease pain while simultaneously increasing the likelihood that cleaning staff will participate in self-directed stretching in the future. The intervention serves as a model for workplace health management and wellness-focused community building on university campuses who insource cleaning staff.

The Effect of Workplace Stretching Exercise (WSE) Interventions on Nurse's Musculoskeletal Complaints at Health Services in Bengkulu

“…In addition, a stretching program carried out for eight minutes can prevent musculoskeletal disorders in workers [36]. Upper extremity resistance exercises at work carried out by workers in tertiary hospitals for approximately 15 minutes can reduce fatigue, pain and discomfort in the upper extremities and neck felt by workers [37]. According to the results of previous studies that the exercise program carried out by office workers for six weeks had an effect on reducing musculoskeletal complaints [38].…”