NCT04144764

Quantification of Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness Using Supersonic Shear Wave Imaging: Efficacy of Workplace-based Exercise Programme to Reduce Neck and Shoulder Disorders in Working Population

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Objectives: (1) To examine the upper trapezius muscle stiffness using SSI in workers with and without neck/shoulder disorders; and (2) to develop a workplace-based exercise programme to reduce upper trapezius muscle stiffness and to enhance shoulder function and work ability in the working population. Hypotheses to be tested: (1) Workers with neck/shoulder disorders demonstrate increase upper trapezius muscle stiffness when compared to healthy control; and a cutoff value of the upper trapezius stiffness was established for early identification of individuals at risk of having neck/shoulder disorders in the working population; (2) Workplace-based exercise programme can reduce upper trapezius muscle stiffness and enhance shoulder function and work ability in the working population. Design: Part A study: Cross-sectional study; Part B study: randomized controlled trial Subjects: One-hundred office computer workers with or without neck/shoulder pain Study instruments: Supersonic shear wave imaging Main outcome measures: Upper trapezius muscle stiffness, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Neck Disability Index, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), work ability index (WAI). Data analysis: Between-group comparisons to show differences in the outcome measures will be analyzed using Independent t-test. To compare the treatment effects, repeated-measures analysis of variance test (between-group factor: intervention vs control; within-subject factor: time (baseline, 6 week and 1 year)). Expected results: Workers with neck/shoulder disorders demonstrate increase upper trapezius muscle stiffness when compared to healthy control. Workplace-based exercise programme can reduce upper trapezius muscle stiffness and enhance shoulder function and work ability in the working population.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Workplace-based exercise	Participants will have to perform 10-week of workplace-based exercise programme which consist of 5 sessions of 10 minutes per week. The workplace-based exercise programme will consist of general stretching and strengthening exercise using resistance tubing for both the neck and upper limb. Specific rotator cuff and scapular muscles strengthening exercise were also included to enhance glenohumeral and scapular kinematics (Appendix). Each participant will receive a set of elastic resistance tubing that comprise red (2kg), green (3kg) and blue (4kg). The exercise programme will be taught by physiotherapist during their baseline assessment. They will be asked to train at the workplace during workdays (Monday to Friday), five times a week during the 10-week intervention. The program built on the principle of progressive overload.
OTHER	Ergonomic advice and education	Participants will receive ergonomic training and education on how to adjust their workstations to reduce the ergonomic risk factors when using computers.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-11-09
• Primary completion: 2022-09-30
• Completion: 2022-09-30
• First posted: 2019-10-30
• Last updated: 2020-11-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong