Protocol for shoulder function training reducing musculoskeletal pain in shoulder and neck: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Sedentary occupations with intensive computer use frequently lead to neck and shoulder complaints.
• Musculoskeletal pain in these areas often involves restricted range of motion and reduced muscle strength.
• Current treatments for neck pain vary, with active approaches focusing either on the painful area or surrounding musculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of training the surrounding musculature, specifically the serratus anterior and lower trapezius, for alleviating neck and shoulder pain.
• To compare the effects of supervised shoulder function training against a control group advised to remain physically active.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week randomized controlled trial involving office workers with severe neck-shoulder pain.
• Participants were randomized to either supervised shoulder function training (3x20 min sessions) or a control group.
• Outcome measures included pain intensity, clinical examination of the neck and shoulder girdle, muscle strength, and work disability.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome measure is pain in the neck and shoulders at week 10.
• Secondary outcomes include improvements in muscle strength and reductions in work disability.
• Detailed results comparing the intervention and control groups will be analyzed post-study.

Conclusions:

• Targeted shoulder function training, focusing on the serratus anterior and lower trapezius, may offer an effective treatment for computer-related neck and shoulder pain.
• This approach avoids direct training of the upper trapezius, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.
• Further analysis will determine the long-term impact on pain, strength, and work disability.