Influence of frequency and duration of strength training for effective management of neck and shoulder pain: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundSpecific strength training can reduce neck and shoulder pain in office workers, but the optimal combination of exercise frequency and duration remains unknown. This study investigates how one weekly hour of strength training for the neck and shoulder muscles is most effectively distributed.MethodsA total of 447 office workers with and without neck and/or shoulder pain were randomly allocated at the cluster-level to one of four groups; 1×60 (1WS), 3×20 (3WS) or 9×7 (9WS) min a week of supervised high-intensity strength training for 20 weeks, or to a reference group without training (REF). Primary outcome was self-reported neck and shoulder pain (scale 0–9) and secondary outcome work disability (Disability in Arms, Shoulders and Hands (DASH)).ResultsThe intention-to-treat analysis showed reduced neck and right shoulder pain in the training groups after 20 weeks compared with REF. Among those with pain ≥3 at baseline (n=256), all three training groups achieved significant reduction in neck pain compared with REF (p<0.01). From a baseline pain rating of 3.2 (SD 2.3) in the neck among neck cases, 1WS experienced a reduction of 1.14 (95% CI 0.17 to 2.10), 3WS 1.88 (0.90 to 2.87) and 9WS 1.35 (0.24 to 2.46) which is considered clinically significant. DASH was reduced in 1WS and 3WS only.ConclusionOne hour of specific strength training effectively reduced neck and shoulder pain in office workers. Although the three contrasting training groups showed no statistical differences in neck pain reduction, only 1WS and 3WS reduced DASH. This study suggests some flexibility regarding time-wise distribution when implementing specific strength training at the workplace.

Stretch breaks in the work setting improve flexibility and grip strength and reduce musculoskeletal complaints

“…Lowe and Dick (2015) suggested that the effect of workplace exercise is minimal and effective as tertiary prevention and therapeutic relief of neck/shoulder symptoms. Moreover, previous studies have demonstrated that specific exercise programs improves strength and resistance levels of the trunk and lumbar extensors (Andersen et al, 2012;Carvalho Mesquita, Ribeiro, & Moreira, 2012;Koumantakis, Watson, & Oldham, 2005), and these improvements appear after 6 to 8 months (Cohen, Goel, Frank, & Gibson, 1994). A 10-week yoga intervention delivered improves flexibility, state anxiety and musculoskeletal fitness in office positions workers (Cheema et al, 2013).…”

“…WHP programs include employee education, modified workspace designs, adjusting work habits and promoting exercise, stretches and short rest breaks. The physiologic benefits of a stretch break program include reduced intervertebral disc pressure, increased blood flow, reductions in muscle lactic acid and increased attention (Andersen et al, 2012;Balci & Aghazadeh, 2003;Cheema et al, 2013;Varatharajan et al, 2014;Zebis et al, 2011).…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…Unfortunately, only a few studies have demonstrated that such measures had sustainable and quantifiable positive effects on symptoms and disability outcomes, although none have shown negative effects. Nonetheless, stretching exercises and resistance training programmes have emerged as highly-effective interventions to prevent office-based MSDs [23][24][25]. The general idea is that some programmes have the potential to be effective, but the scientific evidence is yet insufficient to provide the support needed in order to recommend their implementation in workplaces.…”

Usporedba dviju fizioterapijskih metoda kod nespecifične boli u vratu

“…18 Još uvijek nije poznato koja kombinacija metoda daje najbolje rezultate, 19 a dodatni problem predstavlja pitanje njihove ekonomske isplativosti s obzirom na uloženo vrijeme. 20 Akutnu bol brže smanjuje mobilizacija kralježnice nego manipulacija tkiva ili fizioterapija.…”

“…20 Akutnu bol brže smanjuje mobilizacija kralježnice nego manipulacija tkiva ili fizioterapija. 21 Trening snage u trajanju od 20 tjedana, jedan sat tjedno, znatno smanjuje bol kod že-na u uredu 19 ili muškaraca u industriji. 3 Učestalo se bol u mišiću liječi vježbama snage okolnih, nebolnih mišića, a dokazano je i da jaki trening snage na bolnom miši-ću u vratu dovodi do smanjenja boli.…”