Stretching exercises to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders – A review article
Background: Lower back, neck and shoulder pain, which affects the lumbar spine, are the most commonly reported Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Approximately 80 percent of the general population is affected by these disorders at a certain point during their lifetime, with some estimates being as...
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Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Science and Education Publishing
2017
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/5434/1/FH02-FP-17-11219.pdf http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/5434/ |
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Summary: | Background: Lower back, neck and shoulder pain, which affects the lumbar spine, are the most
commonly reported Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Approximately 80 percent of the general population is
affected by these disorders at a certain point during their lifetime, with some estimates being as high as 84 percent.
The most commonly used approach for the treatment of MSDs is exercise therapy. Stretching provides several
benefits for people at work, and may help improve morale and team cohesiveness. Another benefit of stretching is
that participants may increase their range of motion compared to their counterparts who do not participate in
stretching programs. Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize the recent literature on workplace stretching
exercise programs and their effects on reducing work-related MSDs in different occupational groups. Method:
Specific keywords were identified and used in a systematic search to guide the discovery of relevant studies and data.
Electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were searched for the following
combination of keywords: workplace, stretching, exercises, injury, work, prevention, safety, occupation, and
ergonomics. Studies that do not focus on the benefits of stretching exercise were excluded simply because the
present study examines prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders through stretching exercises. Results:
Whilst majority of the literature examined in this study may not completely explain that stretching at the office will
prevent work-related musculoskeletal accidental injuries, some studies have shown that performing stretching
exercises can lead to reducing discomfort/pain and raising range of motion (ROM). Particularly. As pointed out by
Moore [44], workplace stretching exercise programs might also increase an employee’s belief of personal physique
attractiveness and overall self-worth. Conclusion: Majority of the literature reviewed in this study might not fully
explain that stretching at work prevents work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Some studies have shown that
performing stretching exercises can contribute to reducing discomfort/pain and increasing range of motion (ROM).
Particularly, construction workers who participated in stretching exercise programs reported significant positive
effects including reduction in pains/disability, increase in muscle flexibility and endurance. These exercises are
recommended to be performed during breaks throughout, depending on the type of occupation. All the exercises
suggested could be performed at the workstation, and only require a few seconds to perform. |
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