Field and Home Exercise Program for Improving Function in Iraqi Rural Women (CRP-Rural)

University of Mosul

Status: Completed

Conditions: Rehabilitation; Chronic Pain; Physical Therapy; Rural Health

Treatments: Behavioral: Combined Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07129356

The corresponding Author (Other Identifier)

College of Physical Education

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluates a 12-week Combined Rehabilitation Program (CRP) designed to reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve physical function among rural women in northern Iraq. The program integrates home-based therapeutic exercises with simple, culturally appropriate games. Sixty-six women from the Hamdaniya district, all with nearly two decades of experience in agricultural labor and chronic musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, and limbs, participated voluntarily.

The intervention includes two supervised group sessions per week at a local sports field and remote home-based sessions guided via pre-recorded videos shared through WhatsApp. Each session lasts 45 to 60 minutes and incorporates rest periods. The program is designed to strengthen weakened muscles, improve daily function, and promote social engagement among participants.

Rural women engaged in long-term agricultural labor are at increased risk of chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the back, neck, and limbs.

What is already known on this subject:

• Rural women engaged in long-term agricultural labor are at increased risk of chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the back, neck, and limbs.
• Home-based therapeutic exercises are widely used to manage pain and improve physical function.
• Community-based rehabilitation programs can support better health outcomes in underserved populations.

What this study adds:

• Introduces a culturally adapted Combined Rehabilitation Program (CRP) that blends home-based exercises with traditional games in a rural Iraqi context.
• Explores the feasibility of delivering rehabilitation through low-cost mobile technology in resource-limited environments.
• Provides a community-based model for accessible, flexible rehabilitation tailored to the needs of rural women.

Full description

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Combined Rehabilitation Program (CRP) designed to reduce musculoskeletal pain and enhance physical function among rural women in northern Iraq. The CRP integrates home-based therapeutic exercises with culturally relevant physical games and is tailored to the specific needs and social context of the participants.

The study includes 66 women, aged around 46 years, with 18-23 years of experience in agricultural work. All participants reported ongoing muscle and joint pain in the upper and lower limbs, back, and neck, which affects their ability to carry out daily activities. Due to family and work constraints, a flexible intervention was developed that combines in-person and remote elements to ensure accessibility and adherence.

The 12-week program consists of two supervised group sessions per week held at a local field, along with home-based sessions delivered through pre-recorded videos shared via mobile applications. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes and includes walking, stretching, strengthening exercises, and simple games targeting muscle groups commonly affected by physical labor. Rest periods are integrated into each session to promote safety and participation.

Participants are assessed before and after the intervention for muscle strength, flexibility, body composition, and pain levels using standardized tools. The study design emphasizes a community-based and technology-supported approach to rehabilitation, addressing the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas with limited access to conventional services.

Enrollment: 66 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 57 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Women have experienced Musculoskeletal pain in one or more one of fourth areas of study variables which are : the upper and lower extremities, neck, and lower back.

Exclusion criteria

• Women who suffer from other functional diseases not related to Musculoskeletal pain.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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66 participants in 1 patient group

Combined Rehabilitation Program (CRP) - Single Group

Experimental group

Description:

This arm received a 12-week Combined Rehabilitation Program (CRP), consisting of both in-person field exercises and remote tele-exercises. The intervention included therapeutic exercises and culturally relevant physical games tailored to improve musculoskeletal function and reduce pain. Exercises were focused on mobility, strength, and flexibility, targeting areas of muscle weakness identified during baseline assessment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Combined Exercise