Nordic walking and specific strength training for neck- and shoulder pain in office workers: a pilot-study

More than half of all adults have experienced neck pain during the last six months. Studies have demonstrated reduced pain in the neck-and shoulder region after specific strength training of the affected muscles, but specific endurance training of neck and shoulder muscles has not been properly examined.

To examine the impact of Nordic walking (NW) compared to specific strength training (ST) and a non-training control group (Con) on self-reported neck-and shoulder pain among office workers.

Randomized intervention trial with a stratified control group.

University research laboratory.

Thirty-four female office workers with neck- and shoulder pain.

The participants were allocated to NW, ST or Con. Pain intensity (0-100 mm Visual Analog Scale), isometric abduction strength and a Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were assessed pre, post and 10 weeks postintervention. Both training groups attended the training programs twice per week for ten weeks (30 minutes per session).

Both training groups demonstrated a similar (P=0.421-0.802), but significant reduction in pain intensity (P=0.014-0.018). Between post-test and the 10 weeks postintervention test, similar pain intensity was observed in the NW (P=0.932) while the ST demonstrated an increase (P=0.136). Throughout the testing period, no difference in pain was observed for the Con (P=0.724-1.000) or between the Con and the training groups (P=0.421-0.802). No changes in strength and 6MWT were observed between or within the groups (P=0.184-0.870).

Both NW and ST reduced pain for office workers with low neck-and shoulder pain and appear to be useful exercise modalities for this group.

Both interventions reduced pain, but larger randomized studies should verify these findings.