Effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on the intensity of headache and neck and shoulder symptoms and upper extremity muscular strength of office workers: a cluster randomized controlled cross-over trial.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on the perceived intensity of headache and the intensity of symptoms in the neck and shoulders, as well as on the extension and flexion strength of the upper extremities. The study was a cluster randomized controlled trial. The cross-over design consisted of physical exercise intervention (15 weeks) and no-intervention (15 weeks). The subjects (n=53) were office workers (mean age 46.6 (SD 8.4)) who reported headache (n=41) symptoms in the neck (n=37) or shoulders (n=41), which had restricted their daily activities during the last 12 months. Pain symptoms were measured using the Borg CR10 scale and muscular strength with a 5RM test. Statistical analyses were based on linear mixed models. Physical exercise intervention resulted in a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in the intensity of headache and neck symptoms, as well as an increase in the extension strength of the upper extremities. The mean decrease in headache during the 5-week period was 0.64 CR10 (95% CI 0.28-1.00) (P=0.001) or 49% (95% CI 22-77), and 0.42 CR10 (95% CI 0.11-0.72) (P=0.002) or 49% (95% CI 13-85) in the intensity of neck symptoms. The mean increase in the extension strength of the upper extremities was 1.3 kg (95% CI 0.5-2.1) (P=0.001) or 4% (95% CI 1-6). The intervention had no effect on the intensity of shoulder symptoms or the flexion strength of the upper extremities. Specific exercise may be clinically important to alleviate headache and neck symptoms.

Physical and psychosocial prerequisites of functioning in relation to work ability and general subjective well-being among office workers.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate the physical and psychological prerequisites of functioning, as well as the social environment at work and personal factors, in relation to work ability and general subjective well-being in a group of office workers. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional investigation, using path analysis, of office workers. The subjects comprised 88 volunteers, 24 men and 64 women, from the same workplace [mean age 45.7 (SD 8.6) years]. The independent variables were measured using psychosocial and physical questionnaires and physical measurements. The first dependent variable, work ability, was measured by a work ability index. The second dependent variable, general subjective well-being, was assessed by life satisfaction and meaning of life. The variables were structured according to a modified version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. RESULTS: Forward flexion of the spine, intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms, self-confidence, and mental stress at work explained 58% of work ability and had indirect effects on general subjective well-being. Self-confidence, mood, and work ability had a direct effect on general subjective well-being. The model developed explained 68% of general subjective well-being. Age played a significant role in this study population. CONCLUSIONS: The prerequisites of physical functioning are important in maintaining work ability, particularly among aging workers, and psychological prerequisites of functioning are of even greater importance in maintaining general subjective well-being.