Effects of Adding a Structured Exercise Programme to Ergonomics Training in Women Dairy Farmers: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Milking exposes women dairy farmers to sustained trunk flexion and repetitive upper-limb loading, producing a high burden of musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics education is the conventional preventive strategy, but added benefit from structured exercise is untested in this population.

Methods

In this assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial, 50 women who had milked cows for ≥5 years were allocated to ergonomics training alone (control, n = 25) or ergonomics training plus a 12-week, home-based, equipment-free exercise programme (experimental, n = 25). The primary outcome was pain intensity (NRS), designated as primary only after data collection, so all analyses are exploratory; secondary outcomes were musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic Questionnaire, seven-day recall at both assessments), upper-limb function (QuickDASH), depression (BDI) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). Continuous outcomes were analysed by mixed-model ANOVA and ANCOVA.