Exercise and Health Education for Textile Workers: A Pre-Post Study

Effectiveness of an Exercise and Health Education Program for Health Promotion in Textile Workers: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact quality of life, health status, and work ability. Standard treatments include ergonomic interventions, therapeutic exercise programs, education on risk prevention, active breaks, and physiotherapy. This study aims to assess the current physical and psychosocial condition of textile manufacturing workers and to evaluate the impact of a combine exercise and health education program on their physical and psychosocial outcomes.

The eight-week intervention consists of a weekly in-person workshops and two asynchronous online exercise sessions per week via a mobile app, with exercises adjusted based on participant feedback.

Participants will be recruited from voluntary textile workers at Lacor Textil, S.L., aged 18-65, with active employment. All participants will receive the intervention program.

Primary objectives are to assess the baseline physical and psychosocial condition of participants and to evaluate the effects of the eight-week intervention on their physical fitness, musculoskeletal health, and overall psychosocial well-being

Secondary objectives are to examine changes in the intensity and location of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, the prevalence of symptoms in different body regions, upper and lower body strength using standardized tests, work ability and perception of work performance, and psychosocial and cognitive factors including sleep quality, stress, anxiety, depression, productivity, and quality of life.

Hypothesis: The implementation of an eight-week physical exercise and health education program in textile workers will reduce perceived musculoskeletal discomfort and pain, and improve their physical fitness and psychosocial well-being.

The protocol uses a quasi-experimental, single-group pre-post design without a control group, conducted in a real occupational setting. All participants will undergo an 8-week intervention program, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The intervention adopts a hybrid format, combining face-to-face sessions at the workplace with asynchronous online exercise sessions delivered through a mobile application.

Prior to the intervention, participants will undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment to allow for individualized exercise prescription. The same assessment protocol will be repeated at the end of the 8-week intervention and again at the 4-week follow-up.

The intervention includes:

Eight on-site workshops (one per week during working hours), addressing topics such as musculoskeletal pain management, self-efficacy, physical exercise, mobility, stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Two weekly online exercise sessions, delivered asynchronously via a digital platform, focusing on mobility, core stability, and progressive strengthening of the upper and lower limbs and spinal stabilizing muscles.

Exercise programs will be progressive and adapted to participants' perceived exertion and functional capacity. Adherence will be monitored through attendance records and digital tracking of completed exercise sessions. Participants must complete at least 80% of the intervention to be included in the final analysis.

Outcome measures include perceived pain intensity, musculoskeletal symptom prevalence, upper and lower limb muscle strength, physical activity level, work ability, sleep quality, psychosocial factors (stress, anxiety, and depression), health-related quality of life, and work productivity and absenteeism. All measurements are performed using validated instruments and standardized protocols.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have an active employment contract with Lacor Textil covering the entire duration of the study, including the month following the third evaluation phase.
• Be aged 18-65 years (inclusive).
• Be available to participate in all scheduled sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have severe or specific musculoskeletal conditions that contraindicate exercise.
• Be currently pregnant.
• Be receiving physiotherapy treatment concurrently.
• Be on temporary sick leave during the intervention period.
• Not have the physical capacity required to participate in the workshops and guided exercise.
• Have cognitive or communication impairments that prevent adequate participation.
• Complete less than 80% of the intervention program.