Feasibility and evaluation of a digital preventive physiotherapy protocol for workers: A randomized clinical trial

Preventive physiotherapy plays an essential role in health promotion, emphasizing educational strategies and interventions aimed at preventing musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a preventive physiotherapy protocol mediated by a mobile application on the health of workers. The participants' self-perceived health and thoracolumbar flexibility were assessed by comparing the results obtained before and after the intervention. We also sought to understand workers' perceptions of the proposed protocol. This exploratory randomized controlled clinical trial combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. in which participants received audiovisual educational interventions on the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases and healthy habits via the WhatsApp app over a 12-week period. The sample consisted of workers from a higher education institution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, divided into a control group and an intervention group. The perception of the importance of preventive physiotherapy and thoracolumbar flexibility associated with each individual's self-perceived health variables were analyzed. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of self-perceived health, perception of preventive practice and thoracolumbar flexibility. However, intra-group improvements were observed in some parameters, suggesting a positive effect of the intervention. There are preliminary indications that technology-mediated preventive physiotherapy may be a viable workplace strategy, with potential health benefits, although it requires further development.