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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017:2017:7914134.
doi: 10.1155/2017/7914134. Epub 2017 Aug 7.

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training in a Workplace Setting Improves Muscle Strength and Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tina Dalager  1 , Just Bendix Justesen  1 , Gisela Sjøgaard  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training in a Workplace Setting Improves Muscle Strength and Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tina Dalager et al. Biomed Res Int. 2017.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess effects of 1-year Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) on musculoskeletal health.

Methods: Office workers were randomized 1 : 1 to a training group, TG (N = 193), or a control group, CG (N = 194). TG received 1 h supervised high intensity IPET every week within working hours for 1 year and was recommended to perform 30 min of moderate intensity physical activity for 6 days a week during leisure. The IPET program was based on baseline health measures.

Results: No baseline differences were present. An intention-to-treat analysis showed significant between-group effect for muscle strength but not for musculoskeletal pain. However, a per-protocol analysis of those with an adherence of ≥70% demonstrated a significant between-group effect for neck pain during the past three months. Several significant within-group changes were present, where TG and TG ≥ 70% demonstrated clinically relevant pain reductions whereas minimal reductions were seen for CG.

Conclusion: IPET and recommendations of moderate intensity physical activity demonstrated significant between-group effect on muscle strength. Interestingly, significant within-group reductions in musculoskeletal pain were seen not only in TG but also in CG. This may underlie the lack of such between-group effect and shows that a possible positive side effect of merely drawing attention can improve musculoskeletal health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow-chart, updated from Sjøgaard et al. 2014 [17].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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