Effectiveness of Muscle Stretching with Ergonomics Training Program to Relieve Back Pain and Increase Back Muscle Stretching in Hand Weaving Workers, Mae Rang Sub-district, Pa Sang District, Lamphum Province

Abstract

Abstract

The objective of this quasi experimental research was to examine the effectiveness of muscle stretching with ergonomics training program to relieve back pain and increase back muscle strength in hand weaving workers. Data were collected from 30 hand weaving workers of Mae Rang sub-district, Pa Sang district, Lamphun province during September to November 2015. A total of 30 workers was divided equally into two study groups (experimental and control group). Collected data were divided into 2 parts: 1) Personal characteristics and back pain symptom were performed using questionnaires; 2) Back muscle strength test was performed using back dynamometer. Demographic data was analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, average and standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare differences between two groups. Wilcoxon Signed - Rank Test was used to compare differences within groups at 95% confidence interval level.

The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference of back pain before receiving the program between experimental and control group (p-value = 0.184). After receiving the program, the experimental group showed statistically significant decrease score of back pain (p-value = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in score of back pain within a control group (p-value = 1.000). Back muscle strength test after receiving the program found that there was no statistically significant difference between two groups (p-value = 0.015). Furthermore, the results indicated that the program could significantly increase back muscle strength of experimental group (p-value = 0.004). However, back muscle strength of control group was no statistically significant difference between before and after (p-value = 0.195).  The result showed that muscle stretching with ergonomics training program could potentially help relieve back pain and increase back muscle strength. This program can be applied to use in hand weaving workers or other similar occupational groups.