Affiliations: Department of Work and Organizational Psychology,
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland | Centre for Human Resource Management and
Organizational Engineering, Bern, Switzerland | University of Applied Sciences, Section of Health,
Bern, Switzerland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Achim Elfering, Department of
Psychology, University of Bern, Muesmattstr. 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland.
Tel.: +41 31 6313639; Fax: +41 31 6318212; E-mail: achim.elfering@psy.unibe.ch
Abstract: Objectives: This study examined the effects of stochastic resonance
whole-body vibration training on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and
accidents. Participants: Participants were white and blue-collar
employees of a Swiss metal manufacturer (N=38), and participation was
voluntary. Methods: The study was designed as a
switching-replications longitudinal trial with randomized group allocation.
The randomized controlled cross-over design consisted of two groups each given
four weeks of exercise and no intervention during a second four-week period.
Outcome was measured on a daily basis with questionnaires. Three components
constituted musculoskeletal symptoms: musculoskeletal pain, related function
limitations and musculoskeletal well-being. Accidents were assessed by ratings
for balance and daily near-accidents. For statistical analysis, a mixed model
was calculated. Results: At the end of the training period
musculoskeletal pain and related function limitation were significantly
reduced, whereas musculoskeletal well-being had significantly increased. For
function limitation and musculoskeletal well-being, change over time was
linear. There was no effect on balance or near-accidents. Conclusions: Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration was found to be effective in the
prevention of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. It is well suited for the
use in a work environment since it requires very little effort in terms of
infrastructure, time and investment from participants.
Keywords: Randomized controlled crossover trial, musculoskeletal health, occupational low back pain, intervention study
