Impact of a web-based stress management and health promotion program on neck-shoulder-back pain in knowledge workers? 12 month prospective controlled follow-up.

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of a web-based stress management program on neck-shoulder-back pain and perceived pain-relatedness to stress in a prospective and controlled study. Study points were baseline, after 6 months intervention and at 12 months follow-up on 226 news media employees in two study groups and one control group. Between groups no significant differences were found at any study point. Within groups, the study group with less intensive program improved in pain-relatedness to stress at follow-up. Between baseline and after intervention, the group with more intensive program showed decreased low back pain, and the control group showed less pain-relatedness to stress. Within group differences varied according to pain localization and were inconsistent. Present web-based stress management program did not influence neck-shoulder-back pain or perceived pain-relatedness to stress in stress-intensive occupations.