Effectiveness of ergonomics training and exercise in tea workers: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Tea workers face significant musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic risks due to demanding physical labor.
• NCT06407453 trial registration provides study identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the combined effects of a 12-week ergonomic training and exercise program.
• To assess the impact on musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic risks in tea workers.

Main Methods:

• 60 tea workers with musculoskeletal pain were randomized into an intervention group (ergonomic training + exercise) or a control group (ergonomic training only).
• Assessments included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
• Data collected at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in NMQ, DASH, PSQI, and VAS scores (p < 0.05).
• The control group demonstrated significant improvements in NMQ (shoulder, waist), DASH (1), and PSQI scores (p < 0.05).
• Post-treatment comparisons revealed significant advantages for the intervention group across all outcome measures (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• An integrated ergonomic training and exercise program effectively alleviates musculoskeletal discomfort in tea workers.
• This combined intervention strategy enhances the overall well-being of tea workers in physically demanding roles.