Effects of lifestyle intervention on neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist symptoms

Abstract

Mattila R, Malmivaara A, Kastarinen M, Kivelä S-L, Nissinen A. Effects of lifestyle intervention on neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist symptoms. Scand J Work Environ Health 2004;30(3):191-198.Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether lifestyle intervention to control hypertension can affect neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist symptoms.Methods In a randomized controlled trial, 731 employees from 45 worksites were assigned for 12 months to lifestyle intervention in a rehabilitation center or to usual care provided by occupational or primary health care services. The participants had a systolic blood pressure of 140-179 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of 90-109 mm Hg, or antihypertensive drug treatment. In addition to the cardiovascular risk factors, the occurrences of neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist symptoms and disability during the previous 12 months were recorded before the intervention and 1 year later. ResultsThe reported disability due to neck pain during the previous 12 months fell significantly more (-7%) in the intervention group than in the group in usual care (-2%). The perceived shoulder pain during the previous 7 days also decreased significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group among the women (net change 16%) and among the participants who were more highly physically active (net change 10%). Weight, body mass index, and waist and hip circumferences decreased, and physical activity increased, substantially more in the intervention group. The changes in elbow or wrist pain and related disability did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups.Conclusions Lifestyle intervention to control hypertension has a favorable impact on perceived disability due to neck pain.

Cardiovascular risk factors and low back pain in a long-term follow-up of industrial employees

“…In the Whitehall II Study hypertension was not associated with sickness absence due to back pain (18). In a randomized lifestyle intervention among hypertensive workers, focusing on the treatment of hypertension, a beneficial intervention effect on disability due to neck pain was reported (21).…”

Repetitive and Monotonous Work Among Women: Psychophysiological and Subjective Stress Reactions, Muscle Activity and Neck and Shoulder Pain

“…This could be a possible reason for the significantly lower diastolic blood pressure seen at followup. Furthermore, it may also have had a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system to some extent, which is suggested by other studies that have found a positive effect from physical activity and exercise (Mattila, Malmivaara, Kastarinen, Kivelä & Nissinen, 2004;Miranda et al, 2001). However, since no measures focused directly on general fitness, this interpretation must be made with caution.…”

The Effects of Lifestyle Intervention for Hypertension on Low Back Pain

“…The screening, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomization have been described in more detail previously. 17,18 Altogether, 356 men and 375 women were randomized to intervention and control groups. After the randomization but before the baseline assessment, a total of 28 eligible subjects dropped out.…”

“…The effects of this lifestyle intervention on neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist symptoms have been reported earlier. 18 The aim of the present study was to describe the effects of lifestyle intervention for hypertension on LBP and on perceived disability due to LBP. …”