Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users

Rui José Santiago; Jorge Eduardo Esteves; João Santos Baptista; André Magalhães; José Torres Costa

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507

Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 Feb:46:101507. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

Authors

Rui José Santiago¹, Jorge Eduardo Esteves², João Santos Baptista³, André Magalhães⁴, José Torres Costa⁵

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory on Prevention of Occupational and Environmental Risks, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (Labiomep), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Clinical-based Human Research Department, Research Division, COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy. Electronic address: rui.santiago@gmail.com.
² Clinical-based Human Research Department, Research Division, COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy; University College of Osteopathy, London, UK; Malta ICOM Educational, Malta; Camilo Jose Cela University, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: osteojorge@gmail.com.
³ Laboratory on Prevention of Occupational and Environmental Risks, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: jsbap@fe.up.pt.
⁴ School of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: andrem@ufp.edu.pt.
⁵ Laboratory on Prevention of Occupational and Environmental Risks, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: zecatoco@sapo.pt.

PMID: 34753085
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507

Abstract

Background: Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility.

Materials and methods: Thirty adults, daily computer users reporting pain, were recruited. Data collection took place at LABIOMEP. Participants were randomised into 1 of 3 parallel groups and received either osteopathic, sham or no treatment. Only the volunteers were blind to group assignments. The primary objective was to study the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol.

Results: Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified.

Conclusion: Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT04501575. Date registered August 06, 2020.

Keywords: Computers; Feasibility studies; Myalgia; Neck pain; Osteopathic medicine; Shoulder pain.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Chronic Pain*
Computers
Feasibility Studies
Humans
Shoulder Pain* / therapy

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04501575