Thousands of workers in Turkey’s textile sector 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. Dr. Ömer Şevgin, a faculty member of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, it was determined that a 12-week 'triple intervention program' consisting of exercise, manual therapy, and ergonomics training provided significant improvements in textile workers' pain levels and quality of life.
In the thesis study conducted by Specialist Physiotherapist Hilal Atasoy under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin, a faculty member of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, it was determined that a 12-week 'triple intervention program' consisting of exercise, manual therapy, and ergonomics training provided significant improvements in textile workers' pain levels and quality of life.
Pain decreased, sleep and energy returned
60 workers from a textile factory in Van participated in the research. The employees were divided into two groups. While all participants received ergonomics training, the experimental group additionally received regular neck exercises and manual therapy accompanied by a physiotherapist.
At the end of the 12-week program; it was observed that neck pain significantly decreased, sleep quality improved, daytime fatigue largely subsided, and posture awareness and body control increased.
'Pain does not have to be the unfortunate fate of a textile worker'
Assessing the findings of the study, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin pointed out that pain is normalized in the textile sector and stated the following:
“Neck pain is so common among textile workers that many employees consider it an unavoidable consequence of the profession. However, our study clearly showed 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 unfortunate fate of a textile worker.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin emphasized that employee health is directly related to production quality, stating, “Employee health directly affects the quality and sustainability of production. The widespread adoption of such scientifically proven programs is a great benefit both individually and socially.”
'Not only physical, but also psychological burden alleviated'
Specialist Physiotherapist Hilal Atasoy, the lead researcher, drew attention to the importance of the improvement in sleep quality, stating, “Neck pain is not just a physical problem. It disrupts sleep, increases fatigue, and reduces employees' work performance and morale. We observed a rapid increase in sleep quality in the group that underwent the triple intervention program. This change positively affects a person's entire life.”
Atasoy stated that the program reduced both the physical and psychological burden on employees.
'Integrating this program into workplaces is both easy and economical'
Emphasizing that employers would also benefit from this program, Atasoy said, “Exercise requires no equipment, ergonomics training is short-term, and manual therapy can be applied at regular intervals. In other words, we are talking about a program with low cost but very high impact. It provides fewer sick leaves, less loss of workforce, and better employee satisfaction.”
A new era is possible in the textile sector
Atasoy pointed out that working conditions in the textile sector do not necessarily have to lead to musculoskeletal diseases, and that the quality of life of employees can be improved with correct ergonomic arrangements and physiotherapy-supported programs. She stated that this triple approach can be applied not only in the textile sector but also in all occupations requiring repetitive movements.