The influence of exercise on pain, disability and quality of life in office workers with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Exercise is recommended for office workers with neck pain. However, recent reviews evaluated the effectiveness of workplace interventions only.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life (QoL) in office workers with chronic neck pain.

DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception to April 30, 2022, to identify studies in which participants were adults aged ≥18 years undergoing any form of neck exercises (e.g., strengthening, motor control) or physical activity (e.g., aerobic exercise) performed for a minimum of two-weeks without any other additional treatment besides advice or education. Two reviewers independently screened papers and determined the certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies reported a significant decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for neck pain intensity and five studies reported a significant decrease in Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores following strengthening exercises. Only one study assessed the effect of strengthening exercises on QoL and reported no significant effect. All eight included studies had a high risk of bias and the overall certainty of evidence was low. Meta-analyses demonstrated a significant decrease of neck pain intensity and disability for strengthening exercises compared to a control (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: There is low certainty of evidence that strengthening of the neck, shoulder and scapular musculature is effective at reducing neck pain and disability in office workers. Further research evaluating the effect of exercise on QoL is required.