Effects of mobile application–based exercises compared with traditional exercise on pain and work functioning in academicians: a quasi-experimental study (original article)

Sedentary academic work is associated with increased musculoskeletal pain and reduced occupational functioning. Mobile application-based exercise may provide an accessible strategy to improve musculoskeletal health and work-related functioning. To compare the effects of mobile application-guided exercise, traditional exercise, and no intervention on pain and work-related functioning in academicians. In this quasi-experimental study, 96 academicians from two universities were allocated to an application exercise, traditional exercise, or control group (n = 32 each) based on institutional affiliation and voluntary participation. Intervention groups exercised at least three times weekly for 12 weeks and received standardized ergonomic education. Pain and work functioning were assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) before and after the intervention. Both intervention groups showed significantly lower post-intervention pain scores than the control group (p < 0.05). The application group demonstrated a large effect size for the primary outcome (SF-MPQ total pain severity; Cohen’s d = 1.04). Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for SF-MPQ sensory pain (F = 9.75, p < 0.001, ηp²=0.173), SF-MPQ affective pain (F = 3.90, p = 0.024, ηp²=0.077), and WRFQ work scheduling, productivity, mental demands, and total score (all p < 0.05). However, the Group × Time interaction for SF-MPQ total pain severity did not reach statistical significance (F = 2.90, p = 0.060, ηp²=0.059). Mobile application-based exercise was associated with lower post-intervention pain scores and better work-related functioning than traditional exercise. Given the quasi-experimental design, these findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal and require confirmation in adequately powered randomized trials.