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Evaluation of a Workplace Exercise Program for Control of Shoulder Disorders in Overhead Assembly Work
Brian D Lowe1, Peter B Shaw, Sean R Wilson
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio (Drs Lowe, Shaw, Hudock, Ray, Wurzelbacher); Premise Health, Georgetown, Kentucky (Mr Wilson); Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., Georgetown, Kentucky (Mr Whitaker, Mr Witherspoon); and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc., Erlanger, Kentucky (Ms Barrero).
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess effects of exercise on shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms among employees with overhead assembly work exposures.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusions:
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.
