Abstract
ObjectivesThis 40-week workplace physical training RCT investigated the effect of soccer and Zumba, respectively, on muscle pain intensity and duration, work ability, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during work among female hospital employees.Methods107 hospital employees were cluster-randomized into two training groups, and a control group. The training was conducted outside working hours as two-three 1-h sessions per week for the first 12 weeks, and continued as one-two 1-h sessions per week for the last 28 weeks. Muscle pain intensity and duration, work ability, and RPE during work were measured at baseline and after 12 and 40 weeks.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, both the soccer (−1.9, 95% CI, −3.0, −0.8, P = 0.001) and the Zumba group (−1.3, 95% CI, −2.3, −0.3, P = 0.01) reduced the pain intensity (on a scale from 0 to 10) in the neck-shoulder region (eta squared = 0.109), whereas only the soccer group (−1.9, 95% CI, −3.2, −0.7, P = 0.002, eta squared = 0.092) showed a reduction after 40 weeks referencing the control group. After 40 weeks, both the soccer (-16.4 days, 95% CI, −29.6, −3.2, P<0.02) and the Zumba group (-16.6 days, 95% CI, −28.9, −4.2, P<0.01) reduced the pain duration during the past 3 months in the neck-shoulder region (eta squared = 0.077). No significant effects on intensity or duration of pain in the lower back, RPE during work or work ability were found.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that workplace initiated soccer and Zumba training improve neck-shoulder pain intensity as well as duration among female hospital employees.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN 61986892.
Highlights
Work within the health care sector is generally characterized by being physically demanding [1,2,3]
The present study indicates that workplace initiated soccer and Zumba training improve neck-shoulder pain intensity as well as duration among female hospital employees
It is unknown if soccer and Zumba training offered through the workplace will improve pain in the neck-shoulder and lower back regions, work ability and perceived physical exertion during work
Summary
Work within the health care sector is generally characterized by being physically demanding [1,2,3]. Despite previous workplace physical training intervention studies having reported improvements in physical capacity among health workers [4, 14], there is a lack of evidence for corresponding improvements in perceived exertion during work, muscle pain or work ability [15]. After 40 weeks, both groups maintained the improvements in fat metabolism obtained after 12 weeks [18] It is unknown if soccer and Zumba training offered through the workplace will improve pain in the neck-shoulder and lower back regions, work ability and perceived physical exertion during work
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