Effects of Resistance Training on Pain, Function and Work Ability in Patients With Moderate to Severe Neck Pain

Effects of Resistance Training on Pain, Function and Work Ability in Patients With Moderate to Severe Neck Pain

The purpose of this study is to investigate if high-intensity resistance training can induce additional beneficial effects, for patients with moderate to severe long term pain in the neck, when added to a multidisciplinary treatment program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Referred to the multidisciplinary clinic for treatment of pain in the neck
• Long term (≥ 3months) or recurrent (≥ 2 periods of ≥ 4 weeks the past year) non-specific neck pain,
• Pain intensity ≥ 4 on numerical rating scale (0-10)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe somatic condition (unstable injury, malignity, infectious disease, active rheumatic disease, severe osteoporosis)
• Psychiatric condition/disease that severely impairs group functioning
• Insufficient comprehension of Norwegian language to participate in group sessions and fill out questionnaires
• Awaiting surgery of neck
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Ongoing compensation case or applying for disability benefits due to pain in the neck
• Engaged in high-intensity resistance training on a regular basis the last 6 months
• Contra-indications for high-intensity resistance training (i.e. shoulder complications)