Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Programme on Shoulder Pain and Functional Status in Garment Workers

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly shoulder pain, are a prevalent concern among garment workers, who often engage in repetitive and manual tasks. Previous research has indicated a high incidence of shoulder pain in this population, with a need for effective interventions to mitigate these issues. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a home-based exercise program in reducing shoulder pain and improving functional status among garment workers. Methods: This experimental study involved 60 male and female tailors with work-related shoulder pain, randomly divided into an intervention and a control group (30 participants each). Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including experiencing pain in the glenohumeral joint area and showing at least two positive signs of shoulder impingement. Exclusion criteria included a history of rotator cuff surgery, shoulder dislocation, or pain only in the neck or shoulder blade. The intervention group underwent a four-week home-based exercise program, including stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the pectoralis minor muscle, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and external shoulder rotation. The Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) was used for pre- and post-intervention assessments. Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the SRQ score from 62.6 (±1.99) to 77.0 (±2.54) (p = 0.016), a reduction in work-related pain from 4.9 (±0.51) to 2.4 (±0.31) (p = 0.041), and a decrease in work-related disability from 4.3 (±0.40) to 2.6 (±0.46) (p = 0.032). The satisfaction score also significantly improved from 4.1 (±0.43) to 6.5 (±0.22) (p = 0.003). In contrast, the control group did not exhibit any significant changes in these measures. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a structured home-based exercise program can significantly reduce shoulder pain and improve functional status among garment workers. This suggests the potential for such interventions to be integrated into occupational health strategies, particularly in sectors prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.