Functional training improves the effectiveness of stretching programs for university cleaning staff
International Journal of Workplace Health Management
ISSN: 1753-8351
Article publication date: 4 July 2022
Issue publication date: 9 September 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether combining a structured stretching program with functional movement/body position training would yield additive effects on flexibility, ergonomic practices, and subjective pain levels for employees at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
Nine control and 13 experimental university cleaning staff participated in a 10-week full-body stretching intervention led by undergraduate students. Experimental participants also engaged in functional movement/body position training once per week. Joint range of motion, task ergonomic form, pain level, and stretching motivation results were compared pre- and post-intervention.
Findings
Overall flexibility (+25.75 ± 3.33%) and task ergonomic form (+26.3 ± 10.5%) significantly improved and were negatively correlated with pain levels (r = −0.541 and r = −0.317, respectively). Experimental participants experienced greater improvements in shoulder (control: +16.8 ± 9.0%; experimental: +64.2 ± 11.5%) and hip (control: +31.4 ± 9.9%; experimental: +91.2 ± 19.9%) flexibility as well as in task-specific ergonomic form for vertical (control: +0.0 ± 5.3%; experimental: +35.2 ± 10.1%) and horizontal wiping (control: −4.7 ± 4.7%; experimental: +29.0 ± 7.8%). Intrinsic motivation was increased for both groups (+26.2 ± 15.4%).
Originality/value
Supplementing a workplace stretching program with functional movement/body position training has the potential to improve flexibility and decrease pain while simultaneously increasing the likelihood that cleaning staff will participate in self-directed stretching in the future. The intervention serves as a model for workplace health management and wellness-focused community building on university campuses who insource cleaning staff.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to extend their appreciation to the Occidental College Department of Facilities for providing the physical spaces and opportunity to complete the intervention. Authors would also like to extend deep appreciation to all college cleaning staff who do so much to improve the Occidental College campus. Funding for this project was provided by the Occidental College Undergraduate Research Center and Faculty Enrichment Fund.
Citation
Artiga, O., Bucy, A., Qiu, R., Cramer, E. and Raney, M. (2022), "Functional training improves the effectiveness of stretching programs for university cleaning staff", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 639-653. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-05-2021-0112
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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