AIMS: Given the high levels of absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs, there is a need for preventive strategies to protect workers exposed to high risk levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a workplace-based muscle resistance training exercise program in the presence of pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities in manufacturing workers exposed to repetitive movements and excessive effort in the workplace. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial in manufacturing workers. A sample of 120 healthy workers was allocated at random to an experimental group, which received a resistance-based exercise program, and a control group, which performed stretching exercises. RESULTS: The muscle resistance training exercise had a protective effect on the intensity of pain perceived by workers in their upper limbs (RR 0.62 95% CI 0.44 to 0.87) compared with the group of workers who performed stretching exercises. CONCLUSION: A workplace-based muscle resistance training exercise program is an effective preventive strategy in factory workers exposed to risk; however, it is necessary for companies initially to adopt mechanisms to minimize exposure as a prevention strategy.

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