Efficacy of Ruta 1M in Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Garment Factory Workers

Abstract

Background Garment factories are one of the largest manufacturing sector in India. Karnataka is a major apparel sourcing destination for the global market and 80 of the employees in these industries are women. Musculoskeletal morbidity is becoming common among middle aged women particularly among those who had worked for more number of years worked for longer hours and those who were engaged in cutting and sewing. Homeopathic remedy Ruta is one of the best remedies for work related musculoskeletal problems caused due to overexertion. The present clinical study was carried out as an effort to test the clinical efficacy of Ruta 1M in musculoskeletal disorders MSDs of female garment factory workers.Objectives To assess the extent of work-related musculoskeletal health problems experienced by female garment factory workers and to identify the efficacy of Ruta 1M in the treatment of MSDs.Methodology Women working in garment factories from Mallathalli to Sumanahalli were included. Hundred subjects were screened to ensure enrolment of thirty in the trial.Results At the end of the study it was found that Ruta 1M gave best results in improving the complaints of headache and eye strain when compared to that of neck shoulder hand amp wrist pain knee pain and lower back pain.Conclusions The present study concludes that Ruta 1M is more efficacious in the treatment of headache and eye strain than in relieving hand wrist lower back and knee pain though it can be used in hand and wrist pain also. Keywords Female garment factory workers Work-related musculoskeletal health problems Musculoskeletal disorders Ruta 1M