Changes in hairdressers’ work techniques and physical capacity during rehabilitation

Changes in the work techniques, physical capacity, musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability of hairdressers were studied after occupationally oriented medical rehabilitation for pain symptoms in the neck and shoulders, upper limbs or back. The measurements were carried out in the beginning of the rehabilitation course and after a follow-up period of 1.5 years. The synchronized video-electromyographic data on each subject's habitual work techniques were utilized in teaching and training for improving the ergonomic characteristics of the hairdressers’ work. The mean muscle activity of the trapezius muscles was 612% voluntary contraction (MVC) in the beginning of the rehabilitation and 38% follow-up. The musculoskeletal pain index decreased from 5.0 to 2.6 (p=0.03) during the follow-up. This result showed that the occupationally oriented rehabilitation had positive effects on the hairdressers’ daily work techniques, physical capacity, work ability, and subjective well-being.