Evaluation of a Workplace Exercise Program for Control of Shoulder Disorders in Overhead Assembly Work

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 59; no. 6; p. 563
• Main Authors: Lowe, Brian D, Shaw, Peter B, Wilson, Sean R, Whitaker, John R, Witherspoon, Greg J, Hudock, Stephen D, Barrero, Marisol, Ray, Tapas K, Wurzelbacher, Steven J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Automobiles; Humans; Manufacturing Industry; Middle Aged; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Occupational Health; Patient Compliance; Prospective Studies; Resistance Training; Shoulder Pain - prevention & control; Surveys and Questionnaires; Symptom Assessment; Workplace; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1536-5948
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001030

The aim of this study was to assess effects of exercise on shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms among employees with overhead assembly work exposures. A voluntary workplace shoulder exercise program was offered to employees in two automotive assembly departments, while two similar departments served as controls. N = 76 total workers participated. Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) and Discomfort of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) symptoms were queried monthly for 7 baseline months, followed by 6 months that included exercise. SRQ scores were higher for exercisers than among controls in the 6 exercising months, but not in the baseline months. Although the group x month interaction was significant (P < 0.05), the temporal trend was inconsistent. Exercise may have temporarily lessened decline in SRQ. It is not clear whether shorter term differences were clinically meaningful or predictive of longer term disability prevention.