There was strong evidence for one intervention category , resistance training , leading to the recommendation : Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms .
The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes , mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms .
There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback , job stress management training , and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms .
The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries ( musculoskeletal disorders , MSDs ) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial .
There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs .
Our objective was to up date a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing  upper extremity MSD ( UEMSD ) .
No difference between postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises for early, non-specific, work-related upper limb disorders in visual display unit workers: a randomised trial.
QUESTION Are postural exercises delivered by Mensendieck/Cesar therapists more effective in decreasing pain , reducing disability and improving health-related quality of life in visual display unit workers with early non-specific work-related upper limb disorders than strength and fitness exercises delivered by physiotherapists ? DESIGN R and omised trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis . PARTICIPANTS Eighty-eight ( 6 drop-outs ) visual display unit workers with early non-specific work-related upper limb disorders . INTERVENTION One group received 10 weeks of postural exercises while the other group received 10 weeks of strength and fitness exercises . OUTCOME MEASURES Pain was measured with a 10-cm visual analogue scale , disability was measured with the Disabilities of Arm , Shoulder and H and question naire , and health-related quality of life was measured with the Short Form-36 . Number of participants experiencing upper limb complaints was also collected . Outcome measures were collected at baseline and again at 3 , 6 , and 12 months . RESULTS There was no significant difference in decrease in pain between the groups at 3 months ( 0.6 cm , 95 % CI 0.0 to 1.2 ) , 6 months ( 0.2 , 95 % CI -0.3 to 0.7 ) , or at 12 months ( 0.1 , 95 % CI -0.6 to 0.8 ) . Differences between the groups in upper limb complaints , disability , and health related quality of life were also small and not significant at any measurement occasion . CONCLUSION Postural exercises did not result in a better outcome than strength and fitness exercises . However , 55 % of visual display unit workers with early non-specific work-related upper limb disorders reported being free of complaints one year after both interventions were commenced . TRIAL REGISTRATION IS RCT N15872455
There was strong evidence for one intervention category , resistance training , leading to the recommendation : Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms .
The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes , mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms .
There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback , job stress management training , and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms .
The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries ( musculoskeletal disorders , MSDs ) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial .
There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs .
Our objective was to up date a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing  upper extremity MSD ( UEMSD ) .