Background: More than half of all adults have experienced neck pain during the last six months. Studies have demonstrated reduced pain in the neck-and shoulder region after specific strength training of the affected muscles, but specific endurance training of neck and shoulder muscles has not been properly examined.
Aim: To examine the impact of Nordic walking (NW) compared to specific strength training (ST) and a non-training control group (Con) on self-reported neck-and shoulder pain among office workers.
Design: Randomized intervention trial with a stratified control group.
Settings: University research laboratory.
Population: Thirty-four female office workers with neck- and shoulder pain.
Methods: The participants were allocated to NW, ST or Con. Pain intensity (0-100 mm Visual Analog Scale), isometric abduction strength and a Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were assessed pre, post and 10 weeks postintervention. Both training groups attended the training programs twice per week for ten weeks (30 minutes per session).
Results: Both training groups demonstrated a similar (P=0.421-0.802), but significant reduction in pain intensity (P=0.014-0.018). Between post-test and the 10 weeks postintervention test, similar pain intensity was observed in the NW (P=0.932) while the ST demonstrated an increase (P=0.136). Throughout the testing period, no difference in pain was observed for the Con (P=0.724-1.000) or between the Con and the training groups (P=0.421-0.802). No changes in strength and 6MWT were observed between or within the groups (P=0.184-0.870).
Conclusions: Both NW and ST reduced pain for office workers with low neck-and shoulder pain and appear to be useful exercise modalities for this group.
Clinical rehabilitation impact: Both interventions reduced pain, but larger randomized studies should verify these findings.