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Does group gymnastics at the workplace help in neck pain? A controlled study
E P Takala1, E Viikari-Juntura, E M Tynkkynen
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Group gymnastics did not significantly reduce neck pain in female printing company workers. Neck pain symptoms showed seasonal variation, impacting intervention effectiveness and suggesting a need for seasonal consideration in studies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Neck pain is a common issue in office environments.
- Workplace interventions are often explored to alleviate discomfort.
- Seasonal patterns in health symptoms are frequently observed but understudied in occupational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a group gymnastics program on neck pain.
- To investigate potential seasonal influences on neck pain and intervention outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized cross-over design was employed with 44 women from a printing company.
- Participants underwent a 10-week group gymnastics program (45 min/week).
- Neck pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and pressure pain sensitivity with an algometer.
Main Results:
- No significant long-term effects of the gymnastics program on neck pain were observed.
- Both groups experienced significant pain reduction during the spring intervention.
- Neck pain symptoms recurred in September, with no significant pain reduction during the autumn intervention.
Conclusions:
- Group gymnastics showed no clear benefit for neck pain in this cohort.
- A significant seasonal variation in neck pain symptoms was identified.
- Intervention studies for neck pain must account for seasonal effects for accurate evaluation.