Exercise Program Combined With Ergonomic Training in Textile Workers

A spirometer is an objective device used to measure lung air volumes and flow rates. This test is performed by the individual taking a deep breath and then blowing out forcefully, yielding various parameters. Spirometry results help identify obstructive (e.g., COPD, asthma) or restrictive (e.g., fibrosis) types of respiratory dysfunction. It is frequently used in clinical and occupational health settings, particularly to monitor respiratory function in individuals working in dusty environments such as textiles.

Chest circumference measurement: Chest circumference measurement is a simple, non-invasive method used to assess the effectiveness of the respiratory muscles and the mobility of the rib cage. In this measurement, a tape measure is used to determine the amount of change in chest circumference during inspiration (breathing in) and expiration.

The 6-Minute Walk Test is a practical and reliable field test used to assess an individual's submaximal aerobic capacity and functional exercise level. In the test, the participant walks as fast as possible, but at a safe pace, for 6 minutes on a flat corridor. The total distance covered during the test will be recorded in meters.

The Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire (NMQ) is a standardized self-report questionnaire developed to identify musculoskeletal disorders experienced by individuals in different body regions. It asks about pain, discomfort, or loss of function experienced in nine different body regions-neck, shoulder, back, waist, hip, knee, and wrist-over the past 12 months and the past 7 days. The questionnaire is widely used in the assessment of ergonomic risks and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It is simple, quick to administer, and suitable for comparative analysis in large populations.

The New York Posture Analysis is an observational assessment method used to systematically and objectively evaluate an individual's body posture. In this analysis, specific segments of the body such as the head, shoulders, torso, hips, knees, and ankles are observed from the front, side, and back, and 13 different posture regions are scored. Each region is scored between 1 and 5; high scores indicate better postural alignment, while low scores indicate postural abnormalities. Based on the total score, the individual's overall posture is classified as "good," "moderate," or "poor."

The wall push-up test is a simple physical performance test used to assess upper extremity muscle strength and endurance. The participant places their hands shoulder-width apart on the wall and performs push-ups by flexing and extending their elbows while keeping their body in a straight line. The time taken to complete 5 repetitions will be recorded. The test is frequently used to measure the strength of the shoulder, arm, and chest muscles, as well as to assess upper body endurance.

The Sit-to-Stand Test is a performance test that evaluates lower extremity muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility. The participant sits down and stands up from a chair of standard height as many times as possible within 30 seconds, and the total number of repetitions will be measured. The test objectively determines lower extremity function and muscle endurance, which play an important role in daily living activities.

The Fatigue Severity Scale is a valid and reliable self-report measure developed to subjectively assess the level of fatigue that affects individuals' daily lives. This scale consists of a total of 9 items and uses a Likert-type rating system where each item is scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Fatigue severity is determined by taking the average of the participant's total score; an increase in the average score indicates an increase in fatigue level.

A simple assessment tool that allows individuals to express the intensity of a feeling, pain, or symptom visually rather than numerically. It typically uses a horizontal line 10 cm long; one end of the line represents the minimum, such as "none" or "mildest," while the other end represents the maximum, such as 'unbearable' or "most severe." The participant marks the degree of pain or symptoms they feel on this line, and the position of the mark is measured in millimeters or centimeters to obtain a numerical value. In this study, it will be assessed three times: at rest, while working, and for night pain.