Thus , WIs were seldom design ed to improve return-to-work .
Overall , there was low quality evidence that showed no significant differences between WIs and no intervention for pain prevalence or severity .
If present , significant results in favour of WIs were not sustained across follow-up times .
Overall , this review found low quality evidence that neither supported nor refuted the benefits of any specific WI for pain relief and moderate quality evidence that a multiple-component intervention reduced sickness absence in the intermediate-term , which was not sustained over time .
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of disability in many industrial countries .
Recurrent and chronic pain accounts for a substantial portion of workers ' absenteeism .
Neck pain seems to be more prominent in the general population than previously known .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions ( WIs ) in adult workers with neck pain .
Effect of an intervention addressing working technique on the biomechanical load of the neck and shoulders among hairdressers.
The purpose of this study was to describe , and analyse the effect of an intervention on , the biomechanical workload in the neck and shoulder region of female hairdressers . Arm elevation was measured by inclinometers and muscular load of m. trapezius by electromyography . The intervention comprised working technique recommendations , e.g. to work with less elevated arms and more relaxed muscles . The subjects were r and omised between two different intensity levels of the intervention , one with written information only and the other with additional personal follow-up . The effect of the intervention was evaluated after 1 - 2 months . The hairdressers worked with their arms elevated 60 degrees or more for approximately 13 % of the total working time and 16 % during the specific hairdressing tasks . The intervention group including personal follow-up instructions had a reduction in workload from 4.0 % to 2.5 % of hairdressing time with highly elevated right upper arm , i.e. above 90 degrees . No effect was detected on muscular load or neck and shoulder symptoms after the intervention
Thus , WIs were seldom design ed to improve return-to-work .
Overall , there was low quality evidence that showed no significant differences between WIs and no intervention for pain prevalence or severity .
If present , significant results in favour of WIs were not sustained across follow-up times .
Overall , this review found low quality evidence that neither supported nor refuted the benefits of any specific WI for pain relief and moderate quality evidence that a multiple-component intervention reduced sickness absence in the intermediate-term , which was not sustained over time .
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of disability in many industrial countries .
Recurrent and chronic pain accounts for a substantial portion of workers ' absenteeism .
Neck pain seems to be more prominent in the general population than previously known .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions ( WIs ) in adult workers with neck pain .