Effectiveness of an ergonomic training with exercise program for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among...

Hemodialysis nurses suffer a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to the nursing job contents and high repetition. A practical ergonomic program was expected to improve their occupational health and musculoskeletal discomfort. This study developed an ergonomic training program with exercise and examined its effectiveness for musculoskeletal discomfort and muscle strength in hemodialysis nurses.

A cluster pilot randomized control trial was conducted. Participant nurses were from two hemodialysis units at two medical centers in Taiwan in 2019 and 2020. A 12-week ergonomic program with exercise customized by the job analysis of hemodialysis nursing tasks applied to the intervention group (n = 14). A mobile messenger application was adopted to remind, monitor, and consult the implementation of exercises. The musculoskeletal discomfort degree and muscle strength were measured before and after training as well as the follow-up after another 12 weeks. The training effect between the intervention group and the control group (n = 20), was analyzed by the generalized estimating equations model.

The significant improvements in muscle strength of the wrist and pinch power of the dominant hand were identified after training. The sustaining effect showed significant decreases in musculoskeletal discomfort degrees in the elbows, wrists/hands, knees, and ankles/feet. Training participants achieved an 80% adherence rate to the exercise program, facilitated by a convenient mobile messenger application. They also responded with very high satisfaction with all the ergonomic education, exercise regimen, and use of resistance devices.

This trial approves the effectiveness of the developed program for hemodialysis nurses and its feasibility in clinical practice.

This ergonomic training with a customized exercise program for hemodialysis nurses can serve as a valuable educational resource for hemodialysis nurses to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders and improve occupational strength. Integrating the support of remote technology can enhance program adherence in hectic work environments.