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 ) .
One-year randomized controlled trial with different physical-activity programs to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and shoulders among office workers.
OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the effect of two different worksite physical-activity interventions on neck-shoulder symptoms , together with perceived work ability and sick leave  among office workers . METHODS An examiner-blinded r and omized controlled trial was conducted with 549 office workers allocated to one of three intervention groups : one with specific resistance training ( SRT ) of the neck-shoulder region ( N=180 ) , one with all-round physical exercise ( APE ) ( N=187 )  , and one which acted as a reference group , which was informed about general health-promoting activities but did not include a physical activity program ( N=182 ) . Question naires were filled out at baseline and after 1 year of training . RESULTS The duration and intensity of neck and shoulder symptoms was lower after the specified worksite physical-activity interventions than in the reference group . On an intervention group level , SRT was not more effective than APE in reducing the duration and intensity of neck and shoulder symptoms . However , those asymptomatic at baseline had a significant lower prevalence of neck-shoulder symptoms at follow-up when allocated to the SRT group than placed in the APE group or reference group . At baseline the work ability index ( WAI ) was close to 90 % of the maximum score , and the mean sick leave was 5 days per year , both being unaffected by the interventions . CONCLUSIONS Different physical-activity interventions were successful in reducing neck-shoulder symptoms , and SRT was superior to APE in the primary prevention of such symptoms . The initially relatively high WAI was the most probable reason for no further increase in WAI . Likewise the mean sick leave the year before the intervention was very low , and it was probably not possible to reduce it further
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 ) .