Abstract

Background: The physical demands for aircraft manufacturers are associated with a high incidence of musculoskeletal complaints. Especially working in the wing and flap production is particularly associated with frequent overhead and bent body positions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sustainability effects of a targeted exercise program at the workplace for the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints in aircraft manufacturers.

Methods: On behalf of a large aircraft manufacturer in Germany, a preventive exercise program consisting of mobilization, strengthening, stretching and relaxation with 10 training units each of 60 minutes was carried out during the work time over 7 weeks with 170 employees suffering mild to severe musculoskeletal complaints especially in the spine, the knee and shoulder joints. The participants were examined at the beginning (T1), immediately after the end of the program (T2) and 6 months later without additional support in the meantime (T3) using an extensive assessment

Results: In T2 there was a significant reduction in musculoskeletal complaints, an increase in the trunk and upper body muscle strength and an increase in resistance to work-related psychological stress (resilience). 6 months later in T3, these improvements continued to increase (p < .05). There was also a reduction in body weight and a decrease in the average daily smoked cigarettes. In addition, the employees assessed their physical performance as increased and were sure to pay more attention to their own health. Thus, both short-term and sustainable effects could be demonstrated in almost all examined parameters with effect sizes from 0.99 to 1.11.

Conclusion: Targeted physical training at the workplace shows positive effects in the bio-psycho-social context of health both in the short term and in the 6-month follow-up and promotes personal responsibility and self-management.