Pain and tenderness are frequent in
sedentary work
Many employees in occupations with sedentary
repetitive work patterns suffer from pain and tenderness in neck and
shoulder. It is typical for people doing computer work. However, lack of
knowledge on the underlying causes of the musculoskeletal trouble makes it
difficult to recommend optimal treatment and methods for prevention.
Physical rehabilitation of musculoskeletal trouble tested in praxis
in a Ph.D. study
The Ph.D. study on musculoskeletal trouble and physical rehabilitation
contributes new knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of musculoskeletal
trouble. Researcher Lars L. Andersen has used this knowledge to evaluate
different exercise programs for alleviating pain in neck and shoulder
muscles. Different programs have been tested on women with extensive
computer work.
Women with musculoskeletal trouble have less muscle
strength
The physical strength of the women participating in the Ph.D. study was
examined. Results showed that women with neck and shoulder pain (trapezius
myalgia) have less muscle strength in their shoulders and less activity of
neck and shoulder muscles during a maximal voluntary contraction than women
without muscle pain. They also have more large type I muscle fibres
("megafibres").This could be due to repetitive movements over a
long period of time with stereotype activation of the muscles.
Targeted strength training alleviates pain markedly
The results of the Ph.D. study shows that targeted strength training three
times a week for 10 weeks more than halves the pain experienced by the
participants. Furthermore, the effect of the strength training is
long-lasting as it was still effect full 10 weeks after the end of the
training programme. Fitness training on an exercise bike also alleviated
pain, although to a lesser degree, and the effect ceased within 2 hours
after the end of the training programme.
For more information
Researcher
Lars L. Andersen, NRCWE, tel. +45 3916 5319, lla@nrcwe.dk
To read more
You can read the complete Ph.D. thesis
Physical exercise in the rehabilitation of trapezius myalgia.
Watch video clips, instruction and training diary for the training
programme completed by the participants from the Ph.D. study.
The results from the Ph.D. study are published in international scientific
journals. Please refer to the reference list in the Ph.D. thesis.
