A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effectiveness of Smart Dynamic Fabric Actuator with Exercises in Chronic Musculoskeletal Leg Pain Associated with Prolonged Standing in a Hospital Setting.

Abstract

Background: There are adverse effects on the health outcomes of workers whose occupation involves prolonged standing, such as lower back pain, leg pain, cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy-related health outcomes. The effectiveness of massage therapy as an intervention for managing leg pain associated with prolonged standing needs to be addressed.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the smart dynamic fabric actuator's effectiveness in treating chronic musculoskeletal leg pain in persons with occupations involving prolonged standing.

Setting: Tertiary care hospital.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Thirty participants with chronic leg pain satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in the study. The intervention group used the device for 15 minutes for each leg once a day and stretching exercises twice a day for six weeks. The control group performed stretching exercises twice a day for six weeks. The outcome was assessed at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks with a Numeric Rating Scale for pain and fatigue, short form-McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain, and SF-36 for quality of life.

Statistical analysis: The groups were compared using the two-sample t-test with equal variances, the two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and the Chi² exact test as appropriate.

Results: Thirty medical (nursing officers and doctors) and nonmedical professionals (security guards and sales assistants) with a mean age of 32.9 ± 5.6 years (intervention group) and 36.2 ± 5.1 years (control group) participated in the study. At six weeks, a significant improvement in pain (4.80 ± 1.14 to 1.66 ± 1.04 vs 4.66 ± 0.89 to 2.6 ± 0.91, P = 0.014), quality of life (58.77 ± 9.06 to 71.76 ± 8.43 vs 51.39 ± 8.26 to 63.87 ± 7.61, P = 0.012), and reduced fatigue (5 to 2 vs 5 to 3, P = 0.003) was observed in the intervention group when compared with the control group. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: A smart dynamic fabric actuator can be used as an adjunct to exercises for reducing leg pain and fatigue associated with prolonged standing.