The Effectiveness of Chair-Based Stretching Exercises in Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Complaints Among Tofu Industry Workers in Bandungan

Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Indonesia

^* Corresponding suroto.pd@gmail.com

Abstract

The production process of soybean tofu involves several stages, including soaking, grinding, cooking, filtering, coagulating, molding, and packaging. The workers’ activities are monotonous and typically performed in a prolonged sitting posture that lacks ergonomic support. Such non-ergonomic working postures combined with repetitive tasks can lead to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) complaints among workers. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of chair-based stretching exercises on MSD complaints among tofu factory workers in Bandungan. This study employed a quasi-experimental approach with a non-equivalent control group design. The study sample consisted of 25 respondents in the treatment group and 25 respondents in the control group, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The instrument used to measure MSD complaints was the numerical rating scale (NRS). Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney statistical test. The results showed that prior to the intervention, the level of MSD pain was categorized as moderate and after the implementation of chair-based stretching exercises, the pain level decreased to a mild category. Statistical analysis revealed a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a significant difference in MSD complaints between the treatment and control groups. Therefore, chair-based stretching exercises are significantly effective in reducing MSD complaints among tofu industry workers.