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 ) .
Effectiveness of physical training for self-employed persons with musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial
Background Despite the fact that the population of self-employed persons is still growing and at risk for long term disability due to a number of risk factors , there is still a lack of information on the effectiveness of interventions for this specific group . Methods To determine the effectiveness of physical training without a cognitive behavioral component and workplace specific exercises ( PT ) and physical training with a cognitive behavioral component and workplace specific exercises ( PTCBWE ) , we conducted a pragmatic R and omized Controlled Trial , stratified into two groups . Self-employed persons with a new work disability cl aim because of musculoskeletal disorders were r and omized to PT ( n = 53 ) or PTCBWE ( n = 76 ) , or to a corresponding usual care group ( n = 50 and n = 75 respectively ) . Both types of training consisted of cardiovascular training , strengthening , relaxation and posture exercises and took place two or three times a week , for 1–1.5 hours , during three months , also if someone had already returned to work full-time . The primary outcome measure was cl aim duration ( in days ) during 12 months follow-up . Pain severity and functional status were secondary outcome measures . All data were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months follow-up . The data with regard to cl aim duration were analyzed by survival analysis and Cox regression analysis . Secondary outcome measures were analyzed by means of linear regression analysis . Results After 12 months of follow-up there was no difference in cl aim duration between PT and usual care ( Hazard Ratio 0.7 ; 95%CI , 0.4–1.1 ; p = 0.12 ) or PTCBWE and usual care ( Hazard Ratio 0.9 ; 95%CI , 0.6–1.4 ; p = 0.72 ) . Both types of physical training and usual care  improved in pain and functional status over time , but there was only a statistically significant difference in favor of PT on pain improvement at 6 months . Conclusion In this study , physical training with and without a cognitive behavioral component and workplace specific exercises for self-employed persons with musculoskeletal disorders was not shown to be effective on cl aim duration , pain severity and functional status at 12 months follow-up . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT N67766245
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 ) .