Objective To evaluate the effects of online-supervised versus workplace corrective exercises on neck–shoulder pain (NSP), sick leave, posture, workability, and muscular activity among office workers with the upper crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods We performed a parallel-group randomized control trial at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, assigning 36 office workers to online-supervised, workplace, and control groups (mean (SD) age 38.91 ± 3.87, 38.58 ± 7.34, 37.00 ± 8.12). Inclusion criteria were alignment alteration (forward head (≥ 45°), rounding shoulder (≥ 52°), rounding back (≥ 42°), and pain intensity ≥ 3 in neck and shoulder. The two intervention groups performed 8-week exercise program, while the control group continued usual activities. Primary (NSP and sick leave) and secondary outcomes [postural angles, workability, and muscular activity were measured by VAS, outcome evaluation questionnaire (OEQ), photogrammetry, workability index, and EMG, respectively, at the baseline and an 8-week follow-up]. Results ANCOVA results revealed improvements for the online-supervised group versus control for NSP ( P = 0.007), postural angles ( P = 0.000, P = 0.001, P = 0.005), workability ( P = 0.048, P = 0.042), and upper trapezius activation ( P = 0.024, P = 0.016), respectively. Using paired t tests, both intervention groups improved from baseline to follow-up for NSP ( P = 0.000, P = 0.002), forward head posture ( P = 0.000 , P = 0.000), round shoulders ( P = 0.001, P = 0.031), and round back ( P = 0.034, P = 0.008), respectively. Related parameters of workability ( P = 0.041, P = 0.038), upper trapezius ( P = 0.005, P = 0.005, P = 0.022), and serratus anterior ( P = 0.020, P = 0.015) changed only in the online-supervised group. Conclusion Online-supervised corrective exercise seems to improve a range of parameters related to work performance. These findings are highly applicable in light of the ongoing COVID pandemic; many workers have to work from home.

Background and objective Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including upper crossed syndrome (UCS) are considered as the leading cause of work-related issues worldwide among office workers. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of workplace-based versus online-supervised home-based corrective exercises among office workers with UCS. Methods and design To this end, 45 subjects within the age range of 30–45 years are randomly assigned to three groups in the present parallel-group, randomized control trial using a pretest-posttest design. These groups include the subjects who receive online-supervised exercise and workplace exercise containing three sessions of intervention for 8 weeks and the control group receives no intervention while performing routine activities. The primary outcome variables are neck-shoulder pain (NSP) and consequent sick leave due to NSP, followed by alignment, workability, and the surface electromyography of upper, middle, and lower trapezius (UT, MT, and LT), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and serratus anterior (SA) as the secondary variables. Discussion The present study seeks to assess the effect of workplace versus online-supervised corrective exercise interventions among 45 office workers suffering from UCS. It is expected to improve and reduce the related symptoms including postural malalignment and imbalance muscles after 8 weeks of corrective exercises. If effective, the findings may lead to adherence and work performance among the office workers, and individuals subjected to UCS can use the benefits of an online-supervised intervention. In addition, the findings may be useful in different workplaces as the evidence for employers to benefit from the reduction in the related costs and side effects of work-related neck/shoulder disorders including work disability, productivity loss, time expense, social insurance, work absenteeism, and treatment costs. Finally, clinicians and corrective exercise therapists can consider it as a clinical based-evidence intervention for their further actions. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200729048249N1. Registered on 5 October 2020 (https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/49992/view)

BACKGROUND: While positive short-term effects from corrective exercise on neck-shoulder pain (NSP) are evident, maintenance effects after cessation of the exercise remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the lasting effects of corrective exercise in NSP and workability after a year of detraining. METHODS: A cohort study with 1-year follow-up was carried out in two previous training groups (n = 24) using a self-reported paper-based questionnaire, which was completed three times (baseline, 8-week exercise, and 1-year detraining). The subjects (mean±SD age: 39.0±6.4, 38.1±8.0) responded to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for NSP as the primary outcome. A single validated item from the Workability Index determined workability as the secondary outcome. Between and within-group differences of the two groups were investigated using non-parametric tests, including 12 subjects in each group. RESULTS: The results indicated that 8-week exercise improvements in NSP and mental and physical workability were largely maintained after one year of detraining. The lasting effects of NSP and physical and mental workability were statistically identified in 8-week and 1- year follow-ups. Nevertheless, it is noticeably warranted to adhere to the exercise program. CONCLUSION: The current study indicates that a brief 8-week exercise period once per year is sufficient to reduce pain and improve workability among workers. This knowledge can make exercise interventions more feasible and cost-effective for companies aiming to improve employee health.

Background: Military personnel need to be in optimal physical fitness and ready for action. Currently used physical training programs are mainly based on cardiovascular routines that do not fulfill all physical requirements. Feasible and easy-accessible training programs are needed to improve strength-related physical performance. Objectives: The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a suspension-training program with the total body resistance exercise band in physical fitness, biomechanical lower extremity injury risk factors, mental health, and work-related factors in navy personnel. Methods: To conduct this parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 50 young men aged 18 to 28 years will be recruited. The intervention group performs suspension training (three times a week for 8 weeks) in addition to their daily duties; however, the control group continues their daily duties. The primary outcome is physical performance. The secondary outcomes include biomechanical lower extremity injury risk factors, mental health, and work-related factors. Discussion: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a randomized controlled trial of suspension training in performance, lower extremity frontal plane kinematics, job satisfaction, workability, and quality of life in navy personnel. This trial might provide new insights for various experts and military coaches and suspension-training programs can be used as new methods to meet all military personnel demands with minimum facilities.

Objective To evaluate the effects of online-supervised versus workplace corrective exercises on neck-shoulder pain (NSP), sick-leave, postural angles, workability, and electromyography (EMG) of interest muscles among the office workers with the upper crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods We performed a parallel-group randomized control trial at Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), Tehran, Iran. The office workers (n=36) were randomly assigned to online-supervised, workplace, and control groups (each: n= 12). The two intervention groups completed the exercise program for eight weeks, while the control group continued usual activities. Primary (NSP and sick-leave) and secondary outcomes (forward head posture, round shoulders, and round back angles), workability, EMG (upper, middle, lower trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and serratus anterior) were measured using visual analog scale (VAS), questionnaire, photogrammetry, and EMG, respectively. All measurements were performed at the baseline and an 8-week follow-up. Results In both intervention groups, paired t-tests results demonstrated significant differences in NSP, forward head posture, round shoulders, and round back, respectively. In the online-supervised, workability (physical and mental) improved, and upper trapezius and serratus anterior differed in Max., Ave., activation, offset timing changed in the upper trapezius, respectively. Using ANCOVA, the online-supervised group revealed significant differences, including NSP, postural angles, physical and mental workability, and upper trapezius muscle activation. The sick-leave and other variables were not the cases in all groups. Conclusion Online-supervised corrective exercise seems to improve a range of parameters related to work performance. These findings are highly applicable in light of the ongoing COVID pandemic; many workers have to work from home.