The office work and stretch training (OST) study: an individualized and standardized approach for reducing musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a common health problem in office workers. In Germany, MSD (mainly back pain related) are the main cause of workdays lost to incapacity. This is not only bothersome for the employees, but also causes higher costs for the health system and employers. Workplace health promotion programmes (WHPP) can help to reduce this as they reach large target groups and are easily accessible. In this context, stretch training exercises have already proven to be effective. In the present study, a new approach focusing on trunk extension is to be investigated.MethodsTo evaluate the training device “five-Business”, 250 office workers will train two times a week for 3 months. The control group will consist of 100 office employees. The device “five-Business” enables five different full body exercises. The intervention will be evaluated before week one and after week twelve via three assessments: a) the Short Form-36 (SF-36) to record the general health status and health-related quality of life, taking into account physical, psychological and social factors, b) the Nordic Questionnaire to evaluate complaints of the musculoskeletal system, c) Range of Motion (ROM) measurements using a digital inclinometer and a measuring tape respectively.ConclusionThe “five-Business” combines elements of yoga and the McKenzie fundamentals, taking into account the Myers myofascial pathways in a highly torso-oriented, standardized stretching program. Due to the given exercise execution on the device and the individual adjustment possibilities of the stretching position (body size and range of motion) by the abutment, all exercises are individualized and standardized at the same time. In comparison to existing stretching interventions, this is a new approach in the framework of reducing musculoskeletal disorders and improving the quality of life in workplace health promotion.

A kinematic posture analysis of neurological assistants in their daily working practice-a pilot study

“…Not only in Germany, but also in other industrial countries [1,2], studies on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been conducted in various occupational sectors [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], for example, in the health sector [11][12][13]. In this sector, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back region is observed [13,14].…”

A Review of the Theoretical Fascial Models: Biotensegrity, Fascintegrity, and Myofascial Chains

“…Myers laid the foundations for myofascial chains in 1997, while Stecco in 1988 saw muscle continuity and acupuncture meridians [22][23]. The concept of myofascial chains, that is, the tension of a contractile district has repercussions and influences other districts near and far, is used in different disciplines, from physiotherapy to yoga, from sport to meditation (Figure 4) [24][25][26][27][28]. Photo was given by Dr Anthony Chrisco.…”

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing

“…The authors showed mostly adequate intra- and inter-rater reliability as well as validity for smartphone devices on all joints assessed. However, the intra-rater reliability of the DI has been shown to be equivalent [ 9 ] to the goniometer, while the inter-rater reliability was found to be superior [ 10 , 11 ], since the exact placement of goniometer can be difficult [ 7 , 12 , 13 ]. The reliabilities of the DI and TM procedures, however, do differ [ 2 , 14 ]; for example, in evaluating the flexion of the lumbar spine reliability was found to be inconsistent for several (slightly) modified versions of the Schoeber method using a TM [ 15 – 17 ] and an inclinometer placed on the spine [ 18 , 19 ].…”