Effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers: A randomized controlled trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Beltrán, Sol Patricia^{a; b} | Batista, Gabriel de Amorim^{b; *} | dos Passos, Muana Hiandra Pereira^b | da Silva, Hitalo Andrade^b | Locks, Francisco^{c; d} | Cappato de Araújo, Rodrigo^{b; c; d}

Affiliations: [a] Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Columbia | [b] Associated Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil | [d] Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance (PPGRDF), University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Gabriel de Amorim Batista, Arnóbio Marquês, 310- Santo Amaro, Recife - PE, Cep: 50100130, Brazil. E-mails: [email protected] and [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Shoulder pain affects millions of workers worldwide and is considered one of the leading causes of absenteeism and presenteeism. Therefore, using exercises in the work environment emerges as a strategy to prevent or reduce shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers. METHODS:This was an 8-week parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial. Forty-four fruit workers who reported chronic shoulder pain were randomized to an Experimental Group (EG) or Control Group (CG). The EG was submitted to a program of resistance and stretching exercises for eight weeks, twice a week. The CG received a booklet with muscle stretching and mobility exercises. The primary outcome was shoulder pain intensity; the secondary outcomes were Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and perceived global effect. RESULTS:Both groups showed reductions in pain intensity EG: 4.26 (95% CI 2.78–5.74) and CG: 3.74 (95% CI 1.98–5.50) points. The SPADI results showed an average reduction of 17.76 (CI 95% 3.10–32.43) for the EG and 18.39 (CI 95% 3.66–33.13) for the CG. The mean value of the perceived global effect for the CG was 3.45±2.01, and for the EG, the mean was 4.13±1.24. No differences were observed between groups in any outcome analyzed. CONCLUSION:Both groups showed significant changes in the analyzed outcomes. However, the workplace-based exercise program was not superior to the exercise booklet.

Keywords: Shoulder pain, occupational health, agricultural workers’ diseases, workplace, controlled clinical trial, exercise therapy, resistance training

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230085

Journal: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1143-1151, 2024