Workplace-Based Physiotherapy of Elderly Care Workers With Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cardero Durán, María de Los Ángeles; Espejo Antúnez, Luis; Fernández Morales, Carlos; Albornoz Cabello, Manuel; Rodríguez Mansilla, Juan · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

rct · Level II

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of a multimodal physical therapy program combined with pain neuroscience education (PNE) in elderly care workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain (NSCNP). A sample of 50 elderly care workers was randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 25), which received a multimodal physiotherapy program combined with PNE, and a control group (IG; n = 25). Self-reported pain intensity (visual analog scale), pressure pain threshold, cervical disability, active cervical range of motion, and health-related quality of life were analyzed. Significant results were observed for IG in the variables analyzed P < 0.001. Improvements were maintained with large effect sizes (d ≥ 0.9) after a 4-week follow up. Five weeks of workplace-based physiotherapy combined with PNE reduced self-reported pain intensity and increase pressure pain threshold and cervical range of motion in caregivers with NSCNP.

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