Thousands of workers employed in the textile sector in Türkiye struggle with chronic neck and back pain due to long hours of standing, repetitive movements, and non-ergonomic working conditions.
In a study conducted at a textile factory in Van by Specialist Physiotherapist Hilal Atasoy under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin, a faculty member of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, it was determined that a 12 week “triple intervention program” consisting of exercise, manual therapy, and ergonomics training led to significant improvements in textile workers’ pain levels and quality of life.
In the thesis study carried out by Specialist Physiotherapist Hilal Atasoy under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, it was revealed that the 12-week triple intervention program consisting of exercise, manual therapy, and ergonomics training provided notable improvements in pain levels and quality of life among textile workers.
Pain decreased, sleep and energy returned
The study included 60 workers employed at a textile factory in Van. The participants were divided into two groups. While all participants received ergonomics training, the experimental group additionally underwent regular neck exercises and manual therapy sessions under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
At the end of the 12-week program, it was observed that neck pain decreased significantly, sleep quality improved, daytime fatigue was greatly reduced, and postural awareness and body control increased.
“Pain does not have to be the fate of textile workers”
Evaluating the findings of the study, Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin drew attention to the normalization of pain in the textile sector and stated: “Neck pain is so common among textile workers that many employees see it as an inevitable consequence of the profession. However, our study clearly shows that with the right exercise program and manual therapy support, these pains can largely be brought under control. Pain does not have to be the fate of textile workers.”
Emphasizing that employee health is directly related to production quality, Assoc. Prof. Şevgin added, “Employee health directly affects the quality and sustainability of production. The widespread implementation of such scientifically proven programs represents a major gain both individually and socially.”
“The burden was reduced not only physically, but psychologically as well”
The principal investigator of the study, Specialist Physiotherapist Hilal Atasoy, emphasized the importance of improvements in sleep quality and said: “Neck pain is not only a physical problem. It disrupts sleep, increases fatigue, and lowers work performance and morale. In the group that received the triple intervention program, we observed a rapid improvement in sleep quality. This change positively affects the individual’s entire life.”
Atasoy noted that the program reduced both the physical and psychological burden on workers.
“Integrating this program into workplaces is both easy and cost effective”
Stating that employers would also benefit from this program, Atasoy said: “Exercises require no equipment, ergonomics training is short term, and manual therapy can be applied at regular intervals. In other words, this is a low cost but highly effective program. It results in fewer sick leave days, less workforce loss, and higher employee satisfaction.”
A new era is possible in the textile sector
Atasoy emphasized that working conditions in the textile sector do not inevitably have to lead to musculoskeletal disorders, stating that with proper ergonomic arrangements and physiotherapy supported programs, employees’ quality of life can be improved. She added that this triple approach can be applied not only in the textile sector but also in all fields of work that require repetitive movements.