Stretching and Musculoskeletal Pain

Stretching Exercises and Musculoskeletal Pain Among Employees Working in the Echocardiographic, Ultrasound and Interventional Laboratories

The purpose of this study is to assess whether a daily, 15-minute stretching routine for one year reduces musculoskeletal pain and improves quality of life in personnel working in the radiology and cardiology departments at Mayo Clinics and Mayo Clinic Health System sites.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A 15-minute daily stretching program will be implemented for 1 year.
• Personnel working in the departments of Cardiology and Radiology at Mayo Rochester, - Mayo Scottsdale, and Mayo Jacksonville and Mayo Clinic Health System.
• Willing to complete standardized questionnaires (DASH, ODI) to assess work-related pain at baseline and at 1 year.
• Employees who respond to questionnaires at baseline and 1 year but don't participate in the stretching exercises will be controls for the study.
• Willing and able to provide written, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy.
• Inability to participate in the stretching exercises for any reason.
• Preexisting musculoskeletal problems that has required employees to seek active medical or orthopedic treatment.