Musculoskeletal Pain of Neck and Shoulder Area in Female Office Workers: Relations Between Muscle Tone, Stiffness, Pain-pressure Threshold, Self-reported Pain Intensity and Physical Activity.

Musculoskeletal Pain of Neck and Shoulder Area in Female Office Workers: Relations Between Muscle Tone, Stiffness, Pain-pressure Threshold, Self-reported Pain Intensity and Physical Activity.

The objective of this study is to determine the differences between neck and shoulder region skeletal muscle tone, stifness, pain-pressure threshold, self-reported pain intensity and physical activity in female office workers. 50-100 participants aged 20-60 are anticipated.

The objective of this study is to determine the differences between neck and shoulder region skeletal muscle tone, stifness, pain-pressure threshold, self-reported pain intensity and physical activity.

Participants: 50-100 subjects, all female, aged 20-60 are anticipated.

Methods: Skeletal muscle tone and stiffness are measured using myotonometry. Pain-pressure threshold is measured using algometry. Prevalence of neck and shoulder area musculoskeletal pain is recorded using Nordic questionnaire. Self-reported pain intensity is measured using VAS scale. Self-reported physical activity is recorded using Baecke physical activity questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Office work (at least 4 day per week, 8 hours a day with over 50% working with a computer)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior neck trauma, neurological or oncological conditions, recent use of muscle relaxants or painkillers, obesity (BMI of >30)