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 .
Prognostic Factors for Intervention Effect on Neck/Shoulder Symptom Intensity and Disability among Female Computer Workers
Introduction It has been suggested that treatments may be more effective when they are matched to patient characteristics . This study aim ed at investigating potential prognostic factors for clinical ly relevant improvement in symptom intensity and symptom-related disability among employees with symptoms in the neck/shoulder area , receiving either ergonomics counseling or such counseling in combination with myofeedback training .  Methods A r and omized controlled study was performed among female computer users aged 45 or older ( n = 36 ) . A clinical examination and a question naire survey were performed before inclusion in the study . Symptom intensity and disability was assessed using question naires before the start of the interventions ( baseline ) and at follow-ups directly after the end of the interventions ( T0 ) and after 3 ( T3 ) and 6 ( T6 ) months . Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to assess prognostic factors for clinical ly relevant improvement in symptom intensity and disability . Results Improvement in symptom intensity was consistently predicted by symptom intensity at baseline . Diagnosis and stress-induced lack of muscular rest were prognostic factors for improvement in symptom intensity at short term follow-up . Baseline disability and passive coping consistently served as prognostic factors for outcome in disability . Few substantial differences were found between the interventions in terms of prognostic factors . Conclusions Myofeedback training in combination with ergonomics counseling seem to be an especially beneficial tool for secondary prevention among employees with moderate levels of symptom intensity and symptom-related disability , who respond to work-related stress by increased/sustained muscle activation , and who tend to employ passive coping to deal with their neck/shoulder symptoms
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 .