Effects of Specified Work Site Physical Activity Intervention Among Employees With Physical Heavy Work

Effects of Specified Work Site Physical Activity Intervention on Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Employees With Physical Heavy Work

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of specified worksite physical-activity interventions on musculoskeletal disorders in an industry with physical heavy workload.

Studies regarding company adjusted intervention have shown positive effects regarding work related neck and shoulder symptoms among workers with monotonous repetitive work. However, limited research is available on physical exercise intervention among workers with physically heavy work. This study introduces a new intervention concept to treat and prevent musculoskeletal disorders including individually and health check based exercise intervention.

The aim of this randomized controlled intervention project is

1. Through Health check to outline the extent musculoskeletal disability in workers with heavy work load in relation to physical and metabolic fitness. Includes is also assessment of physical general activity and working conditions.
2. To evaluate the effect of individual adjusted exercise programs on muscle strength, aerobic capacity, musculoskeletal disability, pain, work ability and sick absenteeism

Inclusion Criteria:

• Constructions workers, working for more than 20 hours pr week, Physical heavy work tasks (in Danish: brolæggere, rørlæggere, mekanikere)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Workers with flexible job i.e. for people with a reduced ability to work