Evaluating the Efficacy of Weekly Morning Exercise and Low-Cost Ergonomic Technology for Enhancing Staff Wellness and Occupational Health in a Physiotherapy Department: A 5-Week Pilot Program

This abstract has open access
Abstract Description
Submission ID :
HAC464
Submission Type
Authors (including presenting author) :
LAI WY(2), HUI CY(2), LAM PL(1), CHAN GNY(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital (2) Physiotherapy Department, David Trench Rehabilitation Centre
Introduction :
Enhancing staff wellness through workplace exercise and ergonomic technology has emerged as a critical focus for organizations aiming to boost employee health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Research indicates that regular physical activity in the workplace can significantly mitigate health risks, such as musculoskeletal disorders. Workplace exercise programs, for instance fitness challenges and walking meetings, have demonstrated notable benefits including improved adherence to physical activity guidelines and enhanced cognitive abilities among employees. These initiatives not only promote better physical health but also contribute to a more engaged workforce and reduced healthcare costs for employers.
Objectives :
This pilot program evaluates a five-week intervention that integrates weekly morning exercise classes with mobile health applications for ergonomic monitoring to improve psychological and physical wellness.
Methodology :
Design, Setting and Participants A pretest posttest design was administered in late 2024. Participants were recruited from an out-patient setting physiotherapy department. Participants completed measures before and after 5 weeks thereafter. Interventions A structured 15-minute weekly exercise program focuses on flexibility, core strength, balance and mindfulness has been arranged to all participants, while a free Smartphone Applications “Perfect Posture” is used to support posture monitoring, symptom tracking, and ergonomic assessments daily throughout the 5-week study period. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome consisted of the intra-group difference in stress and fatigue measured in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Fatigue Scale 14 (FS14), and employment contentment assessed by Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) of Chinese version. The secondary outcomes comprised of physical wellness evaluated with Sit-and-Reach Test, Timed Forearm Plank Hold Test, and Single-Leg Stance Test.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 26 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.9 [14.0] years; 17 [65.4%] female) were recruited. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare self-reported outcomes and physical metrics after intervention. Results revealed that there was a significant difference (p<0.000) in the scores for PSS (M=11.7, SD=5.06; t(25)=11.75), FS14 (M=2.5, SD=2.20; t(25)=5.90) and JSS (M=-16.0, SD=7.01; t(25)=-11.64). Significant and consistent treatment effects were also revealed for flexibility, core strength, and balance measured (p<0.000). These findings indicate that a structured exercise regimen, combined with Mobile health applications for self-monitoring, can effectively improve both physical and psychological well-being among health care workers. This pilot program provides a scalable, replicable model for healthcare departments seeking affordable wellness solutions and contributes to the broader goal of promoting a resilient, healthy workforce in high-demand environments.
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