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Effects of a 12 week self‐managed stretching program among K orean– C hinese female migrant workers in K orea: A randomized trial
Author(s) -
Lee Hyeonkyeong,
Chae Duckhee,
Wilbur JoEllen,
Miller Arlene,
Lee Kyongeun,
Jin Hwaeun
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
japan journal of nursing science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.363
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1742-7924
pISSN - 1742-7932
DOI - 10.1111/jjns.12010
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , flexibility (engineering) , medicine , static stretching , intervention (counseling) , population , range of motion , nursing , surgery , environmental health , statistics , mathematics
Aim The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12 week, self‐managed, community‐based stretching program on musculoskeletal fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress, in K orean– C hinese female migrant workers in Korea. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with random assignment of eligible full‐time K orean– C hinese female migrant workers to a stretching exercise intervention ( n = 40) or an enhanced stretching exercise intervention ( n = 40) condition. Both conditions received a 6 min stretching exercise program that included an orientation and three work‐related musculoskeletal disorder ( WMSD ) educational classes. Between educational classes, the enhanced stretching exercise condition also received mobile phone text messaging and telephone counseling to increase self‐efficacy (confidence in overcoming barriers) and provide social support. Flexibility, muscle strength, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Results Significant increase in flexibility was noted for both conditions, but acculturative stress was significantly reduced only in the standard intervention condition. Muscle strength and WMSD symptoms had no significant changes at the 12 week follow up in both conditions. Conclusion The 12 week, self‐managed, community‐based, stretching exercise program was effective to increase flexibility. The standard stretching intervention without any enhancements may be a more cost‐effective way to increase flexibility. Longitudinal studies, however, are needed to see if the long‐term effects are greater in the enhanced intervention for the migrant worker population.