Effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain affects millions of workers worldwide and is considered one of the leading causes of absenteeism and presenteeism. Therefore, using exercises in the work environment emerges as a strategy to prevent or reduce shoulder pain.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers.

Methods: This was an 8-week parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial. Forty-four fruit workers who reported chronic shoulder pain were randomized to an Experimental Group (EG) or Control Group (CG). The EG was submitted to a program of resistance and stretching exercises for eight weeks, twice a week. The CG received a booklet with muscle stretching and mobility exercises. The primary outcome was shoulder pain intensity; the secondary outcomes were Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and perceived global effect.

Results: Both groups showed reductions in pain intensity EG: 4.26 (95% CI 2.78-5.74) and CG: 3.74 (95% CI 1.98-5.50) points. The SPADI results showed an average reduction of 17.76 (CI 95% 3.10-32.43) for the EG and 18.39 (CI 95% 3.66-33.13) for the CG. The mean value of the perceived global effect for the CG was 3.45±2.01, and for the EG, the mean was 4.13±1.24. No differences were observed between groups in any outcome analyzed.

Conclusion: Both groups showed significant changes in the analyzed outcomes. However, the workplace-based exercise program was not superior to the exercise booklet.

Keywords: Shoulder pain; agricultural workers’ diseases; controlled clinical trial; exercise therapy; occupational health; resistance training; workplace.