Implementation of neck/shoulder exercises for pain relief among industrial workers: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although leisure-time physical activity is important for health, adherence to regular exercise is challenging for many adults. The workplace may provide an optimal setting to reach a large proportion of the adult population needing regular physical exercise. This study evaluates the effect of implementing strength training at the workplace on non-specific neck and shoulder pain among industrial workers.

METHODS:

Cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 537 adults from occupations with high prevalence of neck and shoulder pain (industrial production units). Participants were randomized to 20 weeks of high-intensity strength training for the neck and shoulders three times a week (n = 282) or a control group receiving advice to stay physically active (n = 255). The strength training program followed principles of progressive overload and periodization. The primary outcome was changes in self-reported neck and shoulder pain intensity (scale 0-9).

RESULTS:

85% of the participants followed the strength training program on a weekly basis. In the training group compared with the control group, neck pain intensity decreased significantly (-0.6, 95% CI -1.0 to -0.1) and shoulder pain intensity tended to decrease (-0.2, 95% CI -0.5 to 0.1, P = 0.07). For pain-cases at baseline (pain intensity > = 3) the odds ratio - in the training group compared with the control group--for being a non-case at follow-up (pain intensity < 3) was 2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 4.2) for the neck and 3.9 (95% CI 1.7 to 9.4) for the shoulders.

CONCLUSION:

High-intensity strength training relying on principles of progressive overload can be successfully implemented at industrial workplaces, and results in significant reductions of neck and shoulder pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

NCT01071980.

• Authors: Mette K Zebis, Lars L Andersen, Mogens T Pedersen, Peter Mortensen, Christoffer H Andersen, Mette M Pedersen, Marianne Boysen, Kirsten K Roessler, Harald Hannerz, Ole S Mortensen, Gisela Sjøgaard
• Journal: BMC musculoskeletal disorders (BMC Musculoskelet Disord) Vol. 12 Pg. 205 (Sep 21 2011) ISSN: 1471-2474 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21936939 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Industry
• Male
• Muscle, Skeletal (physiology)
• Musculoskeletal Diseases (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Neck Pain (physiopathology, therapy)
• Occupational Health
• Shoulder Pain (physiopathology, therapy)
• Workplace