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 an Educational and Physical Programme in Reducing Headache, Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Workplace Controlled Trial
This study was an 8-month controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace educational and physical programme in reducing  headache and neck and shoulder pain . Central registry office employees ( n = 192 ; study group ) and 192 peripheral registry office and central tax office employees ( controls ) in the city of Turin , Italy were given diaries for the daily recording of pain episodes . After 2 months , the study group only began the educational and physical programme . The primary end-point was the change in frequency of headache and neck and shoulder pain expressed as the number of days per month with pain , and as the proportion of subjects with a ≥50 % reduction of frequency ( responder rate ) . The number of days of analgesic drug consumption was also recorded . Diaries completed for the whole 8 months were available for 169 subjects in the study group and 175 controls .  The baseline frequency of headache ( days per month ) was 5.87 and 6.30 in the study group and in controls ; frequency of neck and shoulder pain was 7.12 and 7.79 , respectively . Mean treatment effects [ days per month , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) ] on comparing the last 2 months vs. baseline were : headache frequency −2.45 ( −3.48 , −1.43 ) ; frequency of neck pain −2.62 ( −4.09 , −1.16 ) ; responder rates ( odds ratio , 95 % CI ) 5.51 ( 2.75 , 11 ) for headache , 3.10 ( 1.65 , 5.81 ) for neck and shoulder pain , and 3.08 ( 1.06 , 8.90 ) for days with analgesic drug consumption . The study suggests that an educational and physical programme  reduces headache and neck and shoulder pain in a working community
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 ) .