Impact of Stretching Exercises on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review

Qais Gasibat, Babina Rani, Denis Causevic, Seth Spicer, Reniery Pereira da Silva, Yu Xiao, Xiang Changqing, Nabilah Binti Ahmad, Agiela E Rafieda

Abstract


Objective: This study aims to compile the latest information concerning workplace stretching regimens and to give a panoramic view of their effectiveness in reducing work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Methods: Searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus and PubMed databases from 2010 to 2022 found 723 eligible studies, based on predefined inclusion criteria. Results: In the review, 14 included studies recruited subjects aged >18 years, with males (n=813), females (n=5141), and some research did not identify gender (n=3). The included studies were of both high (n=6) and low quality (n=8). Seven studies revealed stretching exercises to be an effective and safe non-pharmacological intervention for MSDs, and one study included an active control group observed better improvement in the treatment group. Four trials showed a significant effect from stretching exercises as a stand-alone treatment. Three studies revealed that stretching exercises had a meaningful and major effect on MSDs complaints, while two studies reported no significant results when utilizing Anti-fatigue mats in addition to stretching. Conclusion: The current study indicated that stretching exercises are a crucial and useful technique for preventing and treating pain and function in Work-related MSDs affecting the neck, shoulder, back, etc. Workplace/ergonomic changes can enhance the results of stretching exercises.

Keywords


Muscle Stretching Exercises Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Groups, Ergonomics, Workplace

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.11n.3p.8

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