Corrective exercises administered online vs at the workplace for pain and function in the office workers with upper crossed syndrome: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

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.

The Application of Telerehabilitation for Pain Reduction and Improving Quality of Life in Workers with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review

“…The results showed that there was a significant decrease in group 3, which was given an additional intervention with telerehabilitation, from 59.7 (21.1) to 28.1 (25.6) [15]. This is similar to the results of research by Yaghoubitajani et al, where there was a decrease in pain felt by participants in the intervention group with the provision of online-supervised corrective exercise; participants in this group experienced a significant reduction in pain of 3.25 ± 1.95 [16].…”

“…Similar results were shown in a study conducted by Yaghoubitajani et al In the intervention group with online supervision, there was an increase in work ability, as measured using the Work Ability Index Questionnaire, to 8.00 ± 1.34, while in the control group, it was only 8.27 ± 90 [16]. Another study conducted by Moreira et al shows comparable results.…”

“…Yaghoubitajani, et al [16] Corrective exercise. The intervention was given 3 times/week for 8 weeks.…”

Measuring the Efficacy of Myofascial Rollers and Post-isometric Relaxation Technique in Relieving Pain Intensity and Postural Deviation Using Plumb Line Assessment for the Treatment of Upper Cross Syndrome in Dental Undergraduate (UG) Students

“…The workplace group received diaries with detailed written and pictorial descriptions which emphasized constantly evaluating the progress, safety, and performances of participants. Individuals were given an exercise program to help with their spontaneous postural changes, muscle activation, movement patterns, and lack of scapula stabilization [28]. An instant improvement is required to correct posture in working dentists, particularly those involved in repairing and extracting second molar maxillary teeth.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low back pain management in commercially insured and Medicare Advantage cohorts. A retrospective cohort study

“…37,38 Telehealth alternatives have been found to be generally effective, however there are signs of declining use and a return to inoffice delivery of non-pharmaceutical services. [39][40][41][42][43][44] The aim of this study was to explore how the COVID pandemic impacted care-seeking for, and the management of, LBP in commercially insured (CI) and Medicare Advantage (MA) cohorts.…”