Empowering informal caregivers of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial of a structured home-based exercise intervention in a resource-limited Chinese community

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet caregiver-focused interventions for this population remain underdeveloped, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, multidisciplinary, home-based exercise program in reducing caregiver burden and improving the physical and mental health of family caregivers of MSK patients in a Chinese mining community. A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 96 family caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an 8-week home-based exercise intervention or a control group receiving routine community care. Primary and secondary outcomes included caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview), physical and mental health (SF-12 PCS/MCS), and care-related quality of life (CarerQoL-7D), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in all measured outcomes over the 8-week period, including reduced caregiver burden (p < 0.001), enhanced physical health (p = 0.009), better mental health (p < 0.001), and improved care-related quality of life (p < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (Cohen’s d: 0.45–1.01). GEE analyses confirmed significant group-by-time interaction effects, indicating a greater positive change in the intervention group over time. This randomized controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that a home-based, multidisciplinary exercise program may improve caregiver burden, physical and mental health, and care-related quality of life in a resource-limited Chinese community. Incorporating digital support tools and structured social engagement, the program may offer a promising model for enhancing caregiving outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and assess the program’s scalability within broader clinical and community health systems.