LLLT was effective in the management of PML, and the effects were maintained to the 4 wk follow-up.

Multifidus contracts maximally at upright standing in the normal group, while maximum contraction of the muscle occurs at 25 degrees forward stooping in the patient group. The role of multifidus may be altered in the stabilization of the lumbar spine of chronic LBP patients. Assessment of the change in muscle size reacting to different postures is found to be helpful.

Background Work‐related neck and shoulder pain (WRNSP) is highly prevalent among patients who seek physiotherapy treatment. Clinicians may tend to focus on teaching home exercises and provide general advice about workplace improvement. The present study investigates the short‐ and long‐term impact of an intervention approach that emphasizes on integrating the motor control re‐education with ergonomic advice. Methods Participants diagnosed with WRNSP (n = 101) were randomly assigned into two groups in this randomized controlled trial. The Ergo‐motor Group (EM, n = 51) received an integrated intervention with ergonomic advice/modifications and motor control training individualized for each participant based on their specific work demands. Control Group (CO, n = 50) received treatment for pain relief and general exercises of their necks at a designated physiotherapy clinic. Neck pain intensity and functional outcome measures were assessed before, immediately and 1‐year after the 12‐week intervention programmes. Global Rating of Change Score was used to evaluate the perceived recovery at 1‐year follow‐up. Results Both groups reported significant reductions in pain and functional disability scores at post‐intervention (EM, n = 44; CO, n = 42) and 1‐year follow‐up (EM, n = 40; CO, n = 38); however, no significant between‐group differences were found (p > 0.05). Significantly higher rating in global recovery score was reported in EM group at 1‐year follow‐up (p < 0.05). Conclusions Intervention integrating ergonomic advice/modification with motor control exercise was found to be equally effective as pain relief and general exercise for pain and functional recovery. However, at 1‐year follow‐up, such integrated approach resulted in significantly better global recovery perceived by people with WRNSP. Significance Integrating ergonomic intervention and motor control training achieved similar reduction in pain and functional outcomes compared to conventional physiotherapy at post‐intervention and at 1‐year follow‐up, for patients with moderate level of work‐related neck–shoulder pain and mild degree of functional disability. The Ergo‐motor Group reported significantly better perceived overall recovery at 1‐year follow‐up.

The present results provided some evidence to support the positive and sustainable benefits of integrating motor control training into the workplace postures and motions.