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 ) .
Implementation of neck/shoulder exercises for pain relief among industrial workers: A randomized controlled trial
Background Although leisure-time physical activity is important for health , adherence to regular exercise is challenging for many adults . The workplace may provide an optimal setting to reach a large proportion of the adult population needing regular physical exercise . This study evaluates the effect of implementing strength training at the workplace on non-specific neck and shoulder pain among industrial workers . Methods Cluster-r and omized controlled trial involving 537 adults from occupations with high prevalence of neck and shoulder pain ( industrial production units ) . Participants were r and omized to 20 weeks of high-intensity strength training for the neck and shoulders three times a week ( n = 282 ) or a control group receiving advice to stay physically active ( n = 255 ) . The strength training program followed principles of progressive overload and periodization . The primary outcome was changes in self-reported neck and shoulder pain intensity ( scale 0 - 9 ) . Results 85 % of the participants followed the strength training program on a weekly basis . In the training group compared with the control group , neck pain intensity decreased significantly ( -0.6 , 95 % CI -1.0 to -0.1 ) and shoulder pain intensity tended to decrease ( -0.2 , 95 % CI -0.5 to 0.1 , P = 0.07 ) . For pain-cases at baseline ( pain intensity > = 3 ) the odds ratio - in the training group compared with the control group - for being a non-case at follow-up ( pain intensity < 3 ) was 2.0 ( 95 % CI 1.0 to 4.2 ) for the neck and 3.9 ( 95 % CI 1.7 to 9.4 ) for the shoulders . Conclusion High-intensity strength training relying on principles of progressive overload can be successfully implemented at industrial workplaces , and results in significant reductions of neck and shoulder pain . Trial registration NCT01071980
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 ) .