The aim of this research is to comparatively examine the effects of ergonomics training and the combined application of ergonomics and structured exercise training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in female farmers actively engaged in milking.
The study will assign female farmers actively engaged in milking to two groups using a simple randomization method: a control group (ergonomics training) and an experimental group (ergonomics and exercise training). The control group will receive standard ergonomics training aimed at reducing ergonomic risk factors encountered during milking. The experimental group will receive the same ergonomics training as the control group, plus a structured exercise program consisting of stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises. The exercise program will be planned based on progressive loading principles, muscle group-specific exercise selection, set-repetition arrangement, and standardization of rest intervals. The intervention period is 12 weeks, with exercises performed 3 days a week. All participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form, all within the same assessment protocol.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
The control group will be given standard ergonomics training which includes proper body mechanics, correct working posture and musculoskeletal protection principles during milking.
The exercise group will receive the same ergonomics training as well as a structured exercise program consisting of stretching, strengthening and posture exercises. The exercise program will be planned to last three days a week for a total of 12 weeks.
Tatvan
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity Assessed With the Visual Analogue Scale
Pain intensity is assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates unbearable pain. Participants rate their overall work-related musculoskeletal pain considering the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12)
Change in Upper-Limb Functional Disability Assessed With the QuickDASH
The QuickDASH is an 11-item questionnaire scored from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater upper-limb disability.
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12)
Change in Depressive Symptoms Assessed With the Beck Depression Inventory
Depressive symptoms are assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory. Higher total scores indicate greater depressive symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12)
Change in Quality of Life Assessed With the WHOQOL-BREF
Quality of life is assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. The physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment domains are scored and transformed to a 4-20 scale. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12)
Musculoskeletal Symptom Prevalence Assessed With the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire
The Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire assesses musculoskeletal symptoms in nine body regions: neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, wrists/hands, lower back, hips/thighs, knees, and ankles/feet. At baseline, the 12-month recall section is used; at week 12, the 7-day recall section is used. Results are reported descriptively because the recall periods differ between assessments.
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Time frame: Baseline (12-month recall) and week 12 (7-day recall)