Stochastic resonance training reduces musculoskeletal symptoms in metal manufacturing workers: a controlled preventive intervention study.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and accidents.


METHODS
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.
Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Christian
C
Burger
Volker
V
Schade
Christina
C
Lindner
Lorenz
L
Radlinger
Achim
A
Elfering
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000193:education; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy / Q000193:education; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland; D014829:Vocational Education; D000078329:Workforce