Impact of Stretching Exercises on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review

• Published in: International journal of kinesiology and sports science Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 8 - 22
• Main Authors: Gasibat, Qais, Rani, Babina, Causevic, Denis, Spicer, Seth, Pereira da Silva, Reniery, Xiao, Yu, Changqing, Xiang, Binti Ahmad, Nabilah, E Rafieda, Agiela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 31.07.2023
• ISSN: 2202-946X; 2202-946X
• DOI: 10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.11n.3p.8

Objective: This study aims to compile the latest information concerning workplace stretching regimens and to give a panoramic view of their effectiveness in reducing work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Methods: Searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus and PubMed databases from 2010 to 2022 found 723 eligible studies, based on predefined inclusion criteria. Results: In the review, 14 included studies recruited subjects aged 18 years, with males (n=813), females (n=5141), and some research did not identify gender (n=3). The included studies were of both high (n=6) and low quality (n=8). Seven studies revealed stretching exercises to be an effective and safe non-pharmacological intervention for MSDs, and one study included an active control group observed better improvement in the treatment group. Four trials showed a significant effect from stretching exercises as a stand-alone treatment. Three studies revealed that stretching exercises had a meaningful and major effect on MSDs complaints, while two studies reported no significant results when utilizing Anti-fatigue mats in addition to stretching. Conclusion: The current study indicated that stretching exercises are a crucial and useful technique for preventing and treating pain and function in Work-related MSDs affecting the neck, shoulder, back, etc. Workplace/ergonomic changes can enhance the results of stretching exercises.