Effects of a job-simulated exercise programme on employees performing manual handling operations

This study investigated the effects of physical training on employees performing manual handling operations in three manufacturing plants. Employees from two plants were trained using progressive resistance exercise (PRE) while employees in the third plant were trained using PRE and trunk flexibility exercises (TFE). The results were: (1) a combined TFE and PRE programme significantly improved muscular endurance (124%), dynamic (86%) and static (back: 59%; arm: 25%; shoulder: 23%) muscular strength, and trunk flexibility (low back flexibility: 11%; total trunk rotation: 48%); (2) a dynamic PRE programme did not improve static strength (arm: 3%; shoulder: 8%; back: 14%; composite: 7%) as much as dynamic strength (71%); (3) endurance time at a fixed workload increased without changing job demand perception, but daily operations were performed more easily.