Effects of a worksite labor gymnastics program on novice and experienced workers.

Abstract

Introduction: Worksite labor gymnastics programs are interventions that can positively affect industrial workers. Studies show that experienced and novice workers perceive their working conditions differently. Our premise is that labor gymnastics programs affect these two groups diversely.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of an labor gymnastics program for experienced and novice industrial workers.

Methods: Novice (476) and experienced (489) workers working for a footwear factory located in Northeastern Brazil participated in an labor gymnastics program for 5 months (October 2019 to February 2020). The variables musculoskeletal pain relief improved interpersonal relationships, willingness to work, psychophysiological well-being, and perceived difficulties in performing occupational tasks were assessed. Data were analyzed using an ordinal logistic regression model. The odds ratio modeled the relationship between the labor gymnastics program and the variables. Results: Experienced workers were six times more likely to report psychophysiological well-being, and novice workers were twice as likely to report improved interpersonal relationships. The benefits of the labor gymnastics program were different for experienced and novice workers.

Conclusions: Although both groups can experience musculoskeletal pain relief, novice workers reported more commonly the variable improved interpersonal relationships, while experienced workers reported psychophysiological well-being. These findings help us better understand the outcomes of labor gymnastics programs according to length of service of industrial workers.