Article

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of biofeedback with those of active exercise
and passive treatment in treating work-related neck and shoulder pain. DESIGN: A
randomized controlled trial with 3 intervention groups and a control group.
SETTING: Participants were recruited from outpatient physiotherapy clinics and a
local hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All participants reported consistent neck and
shoulder pain related to computer use for more than 3 months in the past year and
no severe trauma or serious pathology. A total of 72 potential participants were
recruited initially, of whom a smaller group of individuals (n=60) completed the
randomized controlled trial. INTERVENTIONS: The 3 interventions were applied for
6 weeks. In the biofeedback group, participants were instructed to use a
biofeedback machine on the bilateral upper trapezius (UT) muscles daily while
performing computer work. Participants in the exercise group performed a
standardized exercise program daily on their own. In the passive treatment group,
interferential therapy and hot packs were applied to the participants' necks and
shoulders. The control group was given an education booklet on office ergonomics.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain (visual analog scale), neck disability index (NDI),
and surface electromyography were assessed preintervention and postintervention.
Pain and NDI were reassessed after 6 months. RESULTS: Postintervention, average
pain and NDI scores were reduced significantly more in the biofeedback group than
in the other 3 groups, and this was maintained at 6 months. Cervical erector
spinae muscle activity showed significant reductions postintervention in the
biofeedback group, and there were consistent trends of reductions in the UT
muscle activity. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of biofeedback training produced more
favorable outcomes in reducing pain and improving muscle activation of neck
muscles in patients with work-related neck and shoulder pain.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS