Efficacy of a multimodal therapeutic exercise program in shellfish gatherers for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: a quasi-experimental study

Aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of a therapeutic exercise program to modify the muscular endurance of the trunk, the localization and intensity of musculoskeletal pain, fear-avoidance beliefs, perceived change after the treatment and satisfaction. The present study has a quasi-experimental design (N.=19) with measurements taken before and after 16 sessions. The measures included: trunk extensors and flexors endurance, localization and intensity of pain and fear avoidance behavior. At the end of the program the perception of changes at musculoskeletal level and satisfaction were also obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's T-test for paired data, Wilcoxon's test and McNemar's test. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and the patients gave their informed consent. The 94% were women with a mean age of 58 years. The 42.1% had musculoskeletal pain, with the most frequent locations being the lower back, neck and shoulder regions. A significant increase in the muscular endurance of the trunk extensors and flexors (in seconds) was detected; (67.1±42 vs. 96.1±55.2) (P=0.005) and (28.2±18.3 vs. 67.8±41.1) (P=0.000), respectively. A decrease that was close to statistical significance (P=0.19) was observed in the score on the FABQ (53.9±18.8 vs. 48±19.7). The prevalence of lower back pain (84.2% vs. 47.4%; P=0.016) and upper back pain (42.1% vs. 10.5%; P=0.031) decreased significantly after the treatment. The 78.4% had improved and 89.5% were very satisfied with the treatment. The treatment increased the muscular endurance of both the trunk extensors and flexors. A decrease in the prevalence of lower back, upper back and neck pain was observed. The perceived change and satisfaction were high.