Effects of short-term upper extremity exercise training in office workers during COVID-19 restrictions: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity and inactivity-related health problems have deepened in many individuals, including office workers. It is not yet known whether there are exercise programs through telerehabilitation that will provide rapid relief in a short time in office workers who apply part or full-time teleworking system. OBJECTIVE: To comparatively investigate influences of short-term upper extremity exercise trainings (UEET) on pain, musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD), physical activity (PA), mood, and quality of life (QOL) in office workers during COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS: Thirty office workers were divided into exercise (EG) (UEET and walking advice) and control (CG) (walking advice) groups. The UEET was applied for at least 20–40 minutes/day, 5–7 days/week for a one week between February 2022 and June 2022. Office workers’ pain, MSD, PA level, mood and QOL were measured. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of groups (EG: 37.8±7.04 years, CG: 41.6±7.97 years) were similar (p > 0.05). Following UEET, scores of office workers in EG on total step count, vigorous PA, moderate-intensity PA, walking, total PA, physical functioning, and body pain subscales of QOL significantly increased compared to scores of office workers in CG, while scores on neck, back and hip discomforts and anxiety and depression significantly decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: One-week UEET and walking advice can improve office workers’ daily step counts, MSD, PA levels, mood, and QOL. Office workers who have a busy work schedule may do these UEET and walking exercises in break times to relieve perception of discomfort.