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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

The effects of a medical hypnotherapy on clothing industry employees suffering from chronic pain

Authors: Zenija Roja, Valdis Kalkis, Inara Roja, Henrijs Kalkis

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Problems associated with pain in several body regions due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), repetitive movement and negative stress at work are quite common in many manufacturing industries of Latvia, int.al. clothing industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of the psychotherapeutic intervention using medical hypnotherapy (MH) program for mind-body relaxation with pain-blocking imagery, cognitive restructuring of unpleasant physical and emotional experience.

Methods

300 sewers and 50 cutters with chronic pain were involved in the study. Self-rated WRMDs symptoms, pain intensity and interference were assessed using the extended version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Brief Pain Inventory Scale. Assessment of the functional state of muscles was carried out using myotonometric (MYO) measurements. Work heaviness degree was estimated via heart rate monitoring (HRM). The MH program was composed of cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training. Sunnen Trance Scale was used to determine person’s hypnotic susceptibility. Life quality assessment before and after MH program was carried out using Quality of Life Scale.

Results

At the beginning of MH program sessions both sewers and cutters reported on pain interference with general activities, mood, sleep, normal work, etc., but after MH the interference of pain significantly decreased. HRM data confirmed that work heaviness degree of sewers and cutters can be referred to as light and moderate work (energy expenditure for their tasks varies from 3.4 till 4.7 kcal/min). Using MYO measurements it was stated that before MH 22% of workers involved in the study fell under III MYO category indices, consequently, their muscle tone was increased, which is associated with muscular fatigue. After MH muscle tone remained within the normal range meaning that they were able to adapt to the existing workload (II MYO category) or fully relax (I MYO category).

Conclusions

MH program including exercises-workouts, cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training sessions is an effective method to decrease composite chronic pain intensity for sewers and cutters, as well as to decrease psychogenic tension and muscle fatigue (proved by objective measurements of muscles tone) and to increase the life quality.

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Title: The effects of a medical hypnotherapy on clothing industry employees suffering from chronic pain
Authors: Zenija Roja
Valdis Kalkis
Inara Roja
Henrijs Kalkis
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-8-25

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The effects of a medical hypnotherapy on clothing industry employees suffering from chronic pain

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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