Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prolonged standing on hard concrete surfaces has been associated with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort of the lower extremities. Musculoskeletal pain negatively effects health behaviors including sleep quality and levels of physical activity. Ergonomics mats have been reported as an effective intervention for reducing the musculoskeletal pain and discomfort of the lower extremities in occupational settings. Understanding the alleviating effects of ergonomic mats on the musculoskeletal symptoms of the lower extremities may aide in the improvement of the musculoskeletal health and health behaviors amongst prolonged standees. PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of implementing ergonomic mats in a correctional facility to decrease the perceived musculoskeletal symptoms (pain, discomfort, and fatigue) of the lower extremities amongst Correctional Officers (COs). Furthermore, to evaluate the potential improvement of reported health behaviors (sleep quality, sleep quantity, and physical activity) during the course of an ergonomic mat intervention. DESIGN: Seven overweight and obese (BMI<25) Correctional Officers from a correctional facility in the Northeastern United States participated in the 21-day ergonomic intervention. Musculoskeletal symptoms, physical activity levels, and sleep quality were compared with a 2-phase panel evaluation (with and without the ergonomic mat) and a pre-post evaluation. RESULTS: The perceived musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue of the lower back and discomfort of the foot significantly decreased (p<.05) at the follow-up. There were no significant changes in health behaviors. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic mats are practical to implement in correctional facilities. Following implementation, the reported musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue of the lower back and foot were reduced. Future research should repeat this feasibility study with a larger sample size and longer intervention duration to investigate the effects of ergonomic mats on musculoskeletal health and health behaviors.
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