Use of pedometer-driven walking to promote physical activity and improve health-related quality of life among meat processing workers: a feasibility trial

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent evidence supports the use of pedometers as effective motivational tools to promote physical activity and improve health-related quality of life in the general population. The aims of this study are to examine whether a pedometer-driven walking programme can improve health-related quality of life, and increase ambulatory activity in a population of meat processing workers when compared to a control group receiving educational material alone.Methods/designA feasibility study employing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will collect data at three time points. A sample of up to 60 meat workers will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group N = 30 (12-week pedometer-driven walking program, brief intervention, and educational material), or control group N = 30 (educational material only). The primary outcomes of ambulatory activity, health-related quality of life, and functional capacity, will be evaluated at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention and then at three month post-intervention.DiscussionThis paper describes the design of a feasibility randomized controlled trial, which aims to assess the effectiveness of the introduction of a workplace pedometer-driven walking program compared to normal lifestyle advice in meat processing workers.Trial Registration Number(ANZCTR): 12613000087752.

Musculoskeletal & Risk Assessment during Threshing of Rice-grains

“…The seriousness of work related musculoskeletal disorders were highlighted and it was also reported that the prolonged exposure to loads due to variable work intensity leads to musculoskeletal disorders [6]. The workers engaged in meat processing were studied and various activities involving repetitive movements, more application of forces, high working rate and incorrect postures for a longer duration were identified [1,10]. It was suggested that the hazards such as infection, lung cancer and knife related injuries are more evident in case of butchers [4].…”

Walking away from back pain: one step at a time – a community-based randomised controlled trial

“…The study outlined in this paper has been designed to determine the effectiveness of a community-based pedometer-driven walking programme as a low cost, easily accessible, and sustainable means of physical activity to improve disability and clinical outcomes for people with CLBP in a Saskatchewan context. The study design builds on the knowledge gained in recent reviews [ 14 , 19 , 22 , 62 ], prior protocol development [ 20 , 63 ] and recent walking studies [ 21 , 64 ]. Results from this study will inform future exercise-based strategies for larger comparative international clinical trials aimed at reducing disability in those suffering from CLBP as well as establishing the feasibility of pedometer-driven walking programmes in the farming population.…”

Qualidade de vida no trabalho: avaliação de estudos de intervenção

“…Studies point to use of a variety of activities for improving QoWL. Exercises for body posture improvement (13) , walking (14) , and Hatha Yoga (15) . Hatha Yoga was mentioned in a study conducted in Australia as a method to improve flexibility, anxiety and workers' musculoskeletal development (15) .…”

“…Mansi, 2013 (14) New Zealand 60 workers To investigate if a walking program with use of a pedometer could improve health quality for meat processing workers…”