Intensive dynamic training for females with chronic neck/shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Compared the clinical effectiveness of an intensive 3-mo training programme with a less intensive programme on females (aged 18–61 yrs) suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain. The study design was a prospective observer-blinded clinical trial including 12-mo pretreatment follow-up. Ss were randomized to either an intensive neck/shoulder training programme or a programme of lesser intensity but of similar duration. Scales measuring pain and activities of daily living (ADL) were used, and strength and endurance measurements of the cervical and shoulder muscles were carried out at baseline and completion of the study. Follow-up measurements were carried out by postal questionnaire at 6 and 12 mo after inclusion, and included pain, ADL, and treatment satisfaction measurements. 77 Ss were included in the trial, of whom 27 completed the intensive programme and 25 the lighter programme. 41 completed the follow-up questionnaires. Ss in both groups that completed the trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nearly all of the outcome measurements at completion. ADL scores maintained statistical significance at 12 mo in both groups, but pain scores were only significantly improved in the intensive group at 12 mo follow-up. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)