4. Discussion
fatigue, WBS, pain, lunchtime WBS, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, musculoskeletal complaints
The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of lunchtime WBS exercise in reducing musculoskeletal pain and physical exertion among healthcare professionals. Nurses, physiotherapists, dental technicians, and operation theatre technicians were all shown to have significant rates of WRMSDs. The current study found that musculoskeletal pain was most common in the lower back, followed by the neck and the knee, over 12 months. Many of the study participants also mentioned that the pain in their lower backs and necks made it difficult for them to do their jobs. Similarly, earlier research has shown that the neck, shoulders, scapular area, shoulders, upper arms, and upper and lower backs are the most common sites of musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users [The lower back was the most common site of WRMSDs among healthcare professionals, acknowledging findings among PTs, nurses, and other health workers [Both WBS and the educational program for healthcare professionals resulted in a reduction in pain intensity and physical exertion. After 6 weeks of WBS exercise and the education program, pain intensity was reduced by 59.8% and 46.2%, respectively, compared to the baseline. After 6 weeks of WBS exercise and an education program, participants had a 34.9% and 26.1% decrease in physical exertion, respectively. A previous study also found a reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue after a stretching program for call center operators [It is widely known that regular exercise helps improve physical health. For instance, Machado-Matos et al. [WRMSDs have a detrimental effect on the productivity of healthcare workers, and they also contribute to a longer period of sick absence; therefore, the incidence of WRMSDs has wide-ranging repercussions for the economy of a country [There are some limitations to this study. Results may not be generalizable because of the diverse sample of healthcare professionals. However, our findings provide useful information in this field of study and may influence future studies because this is one of the few investigations on these healthcare professionals available in the Arab and worldwide literature. Another possible shortcoming is that musculoskeletal complaints and physical exertion were measured using only subjective scales. However, such scales are widely used because the symptoms being measured (such as pain and exertion, which are subjective complaints) are so common and so well-established in the literature. Importantly, the researchers’ own biases did not influence the findings because the participants completed the surveys independently. Additionally, a few confounding factors, such as patient interaction and emotional factors, were not considered. Further investigations are required to corroborate our results on a larger scale and in a more homogenous group, considering these findings and the limitations of the current study. In addition to the subjective score employed here, future research should also incorporate objective measurements of physical performance and/or efficacy in the workplace.