Effect of Brief Daily Resistance Training on Occupational Neck/Shoulder Muscle Activity in Office Workers with Chronic Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial. (11th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lidegaard, Mark; Jensen, Rene B.; Andersen, Christoffer H.; Zebis, Mette K.; Colado, Juan C.; Wang, Yuling; Heilskov-Hansen, Thomas; Andersen, Lars L.
• Other Names: Schoenfeld Brad J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-12-11
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/262386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . This study investigates the acute and longitudinal effects of resistance training on occupational muscle activity in office workers with chronic pain. Methods . 30 female office workers with chronic neck and shoulder pain participated for 10 weeks in high-intensity elastic resistance training for 2 minutes per day (n = 15 ) or in control receiving weekly email-based information on general health (n = 15 ). Electromyography (EMG) from the splenius and upper trapezius was recorded during a normal workday. Results . Adherence to training and control interventions were 86% and 89%, respectively. Compared with control, training increased isometric muscle strength 6% (P < 0.05 ) and decreased neck/shoulder pain intensity by 40% (P < 0.01 ). The frequency of periods with complete motor unit relaxation (EMG gaps) decreased acutely in the hours after training. By contrast, at 10-week follow-up, training increased average duration of EMG gaps by 71%, EMG gap frequency by 296% and percentage time below 0.5%, and 1.0% EMGmax by 578% and 242%, respectively, during the workday in m. splenius. Conclusion . While resistance training acutely generates a more tense muscle activity pattern, the longitudinal changes are beneficial in terms of longer and more frequent periods of complete muscular relaxation and reduced pain.