| Title: |
A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain: a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers |
| Authors: |
Aegerter, Andrea Martina; Johnston, Venerina; Volken, Thomas; Sjøgaard, Gisela; Ernst, Markus Josef; Luomajoki, Hannu; Elfering, Achim; Melloh, Markus |
| Source: |
Aegerter, A M, Johnston, V, Volken, T, Sjøgaard, G, Ernst, M J, Luomajoki, H, Elfering, A, Melloh, M & NEXpro collaboration group 2026, 'A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain: a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers', Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 51-62. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4254 |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
University of Southern Denmark: Research Output / Syddansk Universitet |
| Subject Terms: |
Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Ergonomics; Health Promotion/methods; Neck Pain/diagnosis; Pain Measurement; Switzerland; Workplace |
| Description: |
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week multi-component intervention on neck pain among Swiss office workers. Methods: Between January 2020 and April 2021, we conducted a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial involving 120 office workers (18−65 years) without severe neck problems from two Swiss companies. Participants started in the control condition and sequentially transitioned to the intervention condition by their cluster. The 12-week intervention included neck exercises, health-promotion workshops, and workplace ergonomics. Neck pain was assessed by intensity [numeric rating scale (NRS) 0=no pain, 10=maximum pain], frequency (days with neck pain in the past 28 days), and disability [Neck Disability Index (NDI) 0%=no disability, 100%=maximum disability). Mixed-effects models were used to assess the intervention’s effect on neck pain intensity, frequency, and disability. Results: This analysis includes 517 observations (295 control, 222 intervention). At baseline, the mean age was 43.7 years [standard deviation years (SD) 9.8], and 71.7% were female. The average neck pain intensity was NRS 2.4 (SD 2.0), frequency 6.8 days (SD 8.0), and disability 11.8% (SD 9.9). A statistically significant effect favoring the multi-component intervention was found for neck pain frequency, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of 1.55 days [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.84−-0.26], and neck disability, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of NDI 2.23% (95% CI -2.96−-1.68). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of a 12-week multi-component intervention in reducing neck pain among office workers. Specifically, office workers experienced neck pain less frequently and with a milder impact on daily activities. Further research is needed to investigate long-term effects. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
0355-3140; 0356-6528 |
| Relation: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pmid/41037652; info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/0355-3140; info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/0356-6528 |
| DOI: |
10.5271/sjweh.4254 |
| Availability: |
https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/da/publications/8d9b2d97-1f59-4324-9765-bf4f429b5b83; https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4254; https://findresearcher.sdu.dk/ws/files/304025900/A_multi-component_intervention_NEXpro_reduces_neck_pain_-_a_randomized_controlled_trial_among_Swiss_office_workers.pdf |
| Rights: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess ; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.FA1053FD |
| Database: |
BASE |