BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a corrective exercise program on workers' productivity with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS).

METHODS

We used Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with parallel groups, double-blind, randomized. The participants were workers recruited at a company of Markazi Province that 23 persons in test group and 25 in control group participated. Before and after the intervention, work productivity and activity impairment was measured by the WPAI-GH questionnaire. In addition, angles of FH and RS were measured by Goniometer, and kyphosis angle was measured by a flexible ruler. The exercise program consisted of stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises, conducted three times a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome was work productivity and activity impairment, and the secondary outcomes were FH, RS, and KY. All primary and secondary outcomes were measured before the interventions, one week after intervention.

RESULTS

Results revealed significant differences for KY (MD = 3.84, 95% CI: 0.75,6.94, p = 0.017), RS (MD = -1.83, 95% CI: -2.88, -0.88, p = 0.001), and FH (MD = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.98,4.04, p = 0.001) before and after the intervention. In addition, within-group differences showed a significant difference in work time missed (MD = -2.60, CI: -4.84, -0.37, p = 0.003**), and overall work productivity loss (MD = -2.02, CI: -3.78, -0.26, p = 0.013**) in exercise group. However, there were no significant effects on impairment at work and activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Since significant differences were detected in a selective exercise program on productivity, a continuous exercise program for more than 8-week could be effective in managing productivity and increasing practical working hours.