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Beyond Ergonomics Training: Added Effects of a Supervised, Equipment-Free Workplace Exercise Program on
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Objective:
To determine whether adding a supervised exercise program to workplace ergonomics education adds benefit for musculoskeletal, sleep, and burnout outcomes in börek (Turkish pastry) workers.
Methods:
In this exploratory randomized controlled trial (NCT07447180), 60 male börek masters from 47 Istanbul shops were randomized to ergonomics education alone or education plus a 12-week supervised, equipment-free exercise program. The primary outcome was the number of symptomatic body regions (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire).
Results:
Symptomatic regions decreased with added exercise (4.73 to 3.17) but not with education alone (baseline-adjusted difference, -1.41; 95% CI, -1.94 to -0.87). All secondary outcomes (QuickDASH, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Maslach Burnout Inventory) favored added exercise.
Conclusions:
Supervised exercise added to ergonomics education produced a moderate incremental reduction in musculoskeletal symptom burden; all outcomes were self-reported by unblinded participants, so objective confirmation is required.
