There is no conflict of interest.
Highlights
- The study’s objective was to examine the impact of a workplace corrective exercise program (CEP) on health outcomes.
- The author used an interrupted time series design to compare health outcomes before and 6 and 12 months after initiation of the workplace CEP.
- The study found that CEP participation was significantly related to an increase in functional movement screen scores and a decrease in injury risk scores.
- This study receives a low evidence rating. This means we are not confident that the estimated effects are attributable to the corrective exercise program; other factors are likely to have contributed.
Features of the Study
The study used an interrupted time series design to examine changes in health outcomes as a result of participating in a workplace corrective exercise program (CEP). The CEP used specific exercises to address movement problems that limit optimal muscle performance. The study sample included 778 industrial workers from southern California who perform jobs involving prolonged repetitive tasks and who had participated in an injury prevention study. The Functional Movement System™ (FMS) screening tool was used to analyze each person's movement patterns and spot any possible issues. Study participants were divided into five exercise groups based on their FMS score and the level of pain they reported during movement. They completed exercises specific to their assigned group in 20–25-minute sessions, 5 days per week for 12 months.
Primary data were obtained from FMS screening scores collected before the start of the CEP, 6 months after the initiation of the CEP, and 12 months after the initiation of the CEP. The author used statistical tests to compare differences in health outcomes. Health outcomes included FMS scores, movement asymmetric scores, and injury risk cutoff scores.
Findings
Health and safety
- The study found a significant relationship between CEP participation and FMS scores, with FMS scores improving at both 6 and 12 months after the initiation of the CEP.
- The study also found a significant relationship between CEP participation and injury cutoff scores, with injury cutoff scores decreasing at both 6 and 12 months after the initiation of the CEP.
- However, the study did not find a significant relationship between CEP participation and movement asymmetry scores.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The author compared the outcomes of participants measured before and after they participated in the CEP. For these types of designs, observing outcomes for multiple periods before the intervention is necessary to rule out any pre-existing trends in the outcomes prior to program enrollment. The study included only one data collection time point before the start of the CEP, making it difficult to determine participants' trends before enrolling in the program. Additionally, the study did not include demographic information of the participants, which complicates identifying the type of participants involved in the CEP and assessing whether their characteristics influenced the study outcomes.
Causal Evidence Rating
Research Guidelines
Review Protocol: Living Systematic Annual Search and Review Protocol
Review Guidelines: Causal Evidence Guidelines