Exercise and ergonomics-focused group counseling among female farmers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Perkiö-Mäkelä, Merja

Affiliations: Unit of Ergonomics, Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio, Finland. Tel.: +358 17 201227; Fax: +358 17 201474; E-mail: merja.perkio-makela@occuphealth.fi

Abstract: The objective of this randomized controlled intervention study with a 6 year follow-up period was to evaluate the short and long-term effects of group counseling intervention on physical activity and fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability. The participants were 126 female farmers aged 25--45 years from dairy farms. The groups were given muscular and aerobic training and training in ergonomic work techniques and lectures on the work environment, work methods and personal protective equipment, nutrition and weight control, musculoskeletal disorders and coping with life. The data were obtained with questionnaires, and physical fitness tests that were carried out before and after the 21/2 month intervention and in the 1, 3 and 6 year follow-ups. Exercise and ergonomics-focused group counseling had positive short-term effects on physical activity and positive long-term effects on musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, such activities, when they are persistent and associated with habitual worktasks, can be recommended to occupational health services.

Keywords: follow-up study, health promotion, intervention, musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2001-2404

Journal: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 239-250, 2001