Adding Neuromuscular Exercise to Ergonomics Training for Professional Butchers: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether adding a 12-week neuromuscular exercise programme to occupation-specific ergonomics training improves work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in professional butchers. METHODS: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 50 symptomatic male butchers were allocated 1:1 to ergonomics training plus neuromuscular exercise (3 sessions/week) or ergonomics training alone. Pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), QuickDASH, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were assessed at baseline and week 12. No outcome hierarchy was prespecified. RESULTS: All participants completed follow-up. Group-by-time interactions favoured the combined intervention for VAS pain, QuickDASH, FSS, and PSQI; all P<0.001, partial η²=0.31–0.58. Exploratory neck symptom prevalence fell from 60% to 8% versus 56% to 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Adding neuromuscular exercise to ergonomics training produced greater short-term improvement than ergonomics training alone; baseline imbalances and self-report warrant cautious interpretation.