Effects of physical exercise on musculoskeletal disorders, stress and quality of life in workers.

BACKGROUND

The effect of physical exercise in the workplace (PEW) on health promotion of workers is contradictory.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of the PEW in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), perception of stress and quality of life in workers.

METHODS

The participants were divided into two groups: control group (n = 46) including non-participant workers of the PEW program, and PEW group (n = 50) including workers who regularly participate in the exercise program. All workers answered the Nordic general questionnaire, the perceived stress scale and the quality-of-life questionnaire.

RESULTS

The PEW group reported a lower prevalence of MSDs for the trunk in the last 7 days and 12 months (p = 0.021 and p = 0.001, respectively), and for the upper limbs in the last 12 months (p = 0.001) compared with the control group . The results for the perception of stress and quality of life showed no significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

PEW is a potential method to reduce MSDs in workers, but it was not efficient in reducing stress levels or improving the quality of life of the workers.