A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain: a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week multi-component intervention on neck pain among Swiss office workers.

Between January 2020 and April 2021, we conducted a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial involving 120 office workers (18-65 years) without severe neck problems from two Swiss companies. Participants started in the control condition and sequentially transitioned to the intervention condition by their cluster. The 12-week intervention included neck exercises, health-promotion workshops, and workplace ergonomics. Neck pain was assessed by intensity [numeric rating scale (NRS) 0=no pain, 10=maximum pain], frequency (days with neck pain in the past 28 days), and disability [Neck Disability Index (NDI) 0%=no disability, 100%=maximum disability). Mixed-effects models were used to assess the intervention's effect on neck pain intensity, frequency, and disability.

This analysis includes 517 observations (295 control, 222 intervention). At baseline, the mean age was 43.7 years [standard deviation years (SD) 9.8], and 71.7% were female. The average neck pain intensity was NRS 2.4 (SD 2.0), frequency 6.8 days (SD 8.0), and disability 11.8% (SD 9.9). A statistically significant effect favoring the multi-component intervention was found for neck pain frequency, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of 1.55 days [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.84--0.26], and neck disability, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of NDI 2.23% (95% CI -2.96--1.68).

This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of a 12-week multi-component intervention in reducing neck pain among office workers. Specifically, office workers experienced neck pain less frequently and with a milder impact on daily activities. Further research is needed to investigate long-term effects.