EFFECT OF A GENERAL FITNESS PROGRAM ON MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS, CLINICAL STATUS, PHYSIOLOGICAL CAPACITY, AND PERCEIVED WORK-ENVIRONMENT AMONG HOME CARE SERVICE PERSONNEL

The aim of the present controlled study was to evaluate the effect of a general fitness program, performed by an occupational health service , using pre-post assessment for a number of different outcome measures . A total of 160 employees working in the central home care service di strict of Umea Sweden were asked to participate in a program of a 1-ye ar long exercise program. Of the 160 selected, 54 subjects declined to participate and nine subjects were rejected after a medical check up. The remaining 97 subjects participated in a schedule consisting of pr e-post medical and physiotherapy examinations, questionnaires concerni ng sociodemography, musculoskeletal and general health complaints and work environment, physiological tests of cardiovascular fitness, and o f strength and endurance of shoulder flexors and knee extensors, and r egistration of sick leave. The subjects were randomly assigned to an e xercise (treatment) or control group. The exercise group trained twice a week for 1 year using a mixed program including exercises for coord ination, strength/endurance, and fitness. The test schedule was repeat ed for both groups after 1 year. The exercise intervention was associa ted with positive changes in prevalence and intensity of musculskeleta l and psychosomatic complaints, better physiotherapy status (less musc le tightness, better neck mobility, and less tender points), increased shoulder strength and increased coordination in thigh muscles. Howeve r, the exercise group reported worse situations post-exercise concerni ng aspects of their physical and psychosocial work-environment (i.e., concerning ergonomy, influence, appreciation and communication with wo rk manager), which might have been due to stress associated with the e xercise situation.