Effect of an on-site physical therapy on pain, posture, function and composition, and work-related health status in workers in Korea.

Background: The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disease is increasing despite automated manufacturing processes.

Objective: To examine the effect of a customized on-site exercise program on pain, posture, body function, body composition, and work-related health status of workers at an auto-parts factory.

Methods: Fifty-six participants were randomly divided into one of two groups: experimental (EG), which received a customized exercise program that included manual and exercise therapy from physiotherapy at the workplace; and control (CG), which received customized exercise sheets for a self-directed program at home. The program was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Assessments were performed according to numerical rating scale (NRS), Exbody, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), InBody, Short-Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2), and Work Ability Index (WAI), which were evaluated before and after the program.

Results: The EG exhibited significant within-group changes in NRS, Exbody, SFMA, SF-12v2, and WAI; the CG exhibited significant within-group changes only in NRS and SFMA (p < 0.05). There were significant between-group differences in NRS, Exbody, SFMA, and WAI (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: An on-site program including manual and exercise therapy directed by a physiotherapist among workers at an auto-parts manufacturer was effective in improving pain levels, posture, body function, and work-related health status.