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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-03-2011 | Original Article

Myofeedback training and intensive muscular strength training to decrease pain and improve work ability among female workers on long-term sick leave with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Lotta Dellve, Linda Ahlstrom, Andreas Jonsson, Leif Sandsjö, Mikael Forsman, Agneta Lindegård, Christina Ahlstrand, Roland Kadefors, Mats Hagberg

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

The theoretical framework is that muscle tension in the neck is related to insufficient muscular rest and is a risk factor for chronic pain and reduced work ability. Promoting muscle strength and muscle rest may increase work ability and reduce neck pain.

Objectives

To test whether myofeedback training or intensive strength training leads to decreased pain and increased work ability in women on long-term sick leave.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial of two 1-month interventions with myofeedback or muscular strength training in the home environment. Female human service organization workers (n = 60) on long-term (>60 days) sick leave and with chronic neck pain were followed with self-reported and laboratory-observed data of health, pain, muscular activation, and work ability, at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 3 months after baseline.

Results

For both intervention groups, pain was lowered over time compared with the control group. Decreased pain and muscular activity was associated with increased self-rated work ability and with laboratory-observed work ability at 3-month follow-up. Decreased pain was also associated with increased self-rated work ability at 1-month follow-up. Muscular strength training was associated with increased self-rated work ability and mental health. Myofeedback was associated with increased observed work ability and self- rated vitality.

Conclusions

The two interventions showed positive results, suggesting that they could be developed for use in health care practice to address pain and work ability. The intensive muscular strength training program, which is both easy to conduct at home and easy to coach, was associated with increased work ability.

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Title: Myofeedback training and intensive muscular strength training to decrease pain and improve work ability among female workers on long-term sick leave with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lotta Dellve
Linda Ahlstrom
Andreas Jonsson
Leif Sandsjö
Mikael Forsman
Agneta Lindegård
Christina Ahlstrand
Roland Kadefors
Mats Hagberg
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0568-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Myofeedback training and intensive muscular strength training to decrease pain and improve work ability among female workers on long-term sick leave with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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