Ep. Takala et al., DOES GROUP GYMNASTICS AT THE WORKPLACE HELP IN NECK PAIN - A CONTROLLED-STUDY, Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine, 26(1), 1994, pp. 17-20
The effects of group gymnastics on neck pain were studied among 44 wom
en in a printing company. A randomized cross-over design was used with
two groups matched according to the work task, frequency of symptoms,
and age. The treatment consisted of gymnastics for 45 min once a week
for 10 weeks. Neck pain was rated by visual analogue scale and pressu
re pain sensitivity of the neck muscles was measured with an algometer
. The results showed no clear effects of the group gymnastics program.
An equal and significant reduction in pain ratings was seen in both g
roups after the first intervention in the spring. Recurrence of sympto
ms was seen in both groups in September, and no significant reduction
in pain occurred during the second intervention in the autumn. The res
ults suggest a seasonal variation in neck symptoms which has to be con
sidered when planning or evaluating intervention studies.