Effect of Yoga on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, perceived stress, and quality of sleep in industrial workers: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives

Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort at the workplace are closely associated with prolonged, repetitive, continuous, and unnatural movements. Yoga as mind-body medicine has been shown to reduce pain and disability. The current study aims to assess the effect of yoga on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among industry workers.

Materials and methods

Ninety industrial workers with self-reported pain symptoms will be randomly assigned to Yoga and wait-list control groups following an equal allocation ratio. Yoga group will receive a specially designed Integrated Yoga module five days a week for eight weeks. The control group will be given lifestyle suggestions, and they will be offered the same Yoga module after the post-assessment. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort scores, perceived stress, and quality of sleep will be assessed at baseline, after four and eight weeks.

Statistical analyses

Normality and appropriate statistical tests will be done after data collection to assess the differences between and within the groups.

Expected outcomes

Specifically designed Yoga module will help reduce subjective pain, stress and improve sleep quality in industrial workers.